Man City 0-2 Tottenham Match Report, Spurs make Manchester their second home

For the second season in a row, Tottenham Hotspur tasted victory against Man City at the Etihad, with Thomas Frank masterminding a 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola.

We resisted saying this earlier because we were unsure whether it might backfire, but now we are more confident to admit it. Yes, the ‘new manager honeymoon’ period for Tottenham has properly kicked off. This time, Spurs fans will be hoping it lasts longer than the 10 games it did under Ange Postecoglou.

It was an incredible win for Tottenham in Saturday’s early kick-off at the Etihad Stadium. Despite the stats favouring Spurs ahead of the fixture, nothing suggested it would be straightforward. Regardless, Thomas Frank outclassed Pep Guardiola in his very first away league game as Spurs boss, overseeing a second clean sheet in a row and a statement victory.

Many had expected the Dane to revert to a back five, something he often used at Brentford against stronger opposition and also deployed against PSG in the Super Cup. Instead, he went bold with a 4-2-3-1. The defence and attack remained unchanged from the 3-0 win against Burnley, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha replaced Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray in midfield.

Guardiola, meanwhile, named City’s youngest Premier League starting XI in 15 years. He made two changes from their 4-0 opening win at Wolves, with Ryan Cherki and Omar Marmoush coming in for Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva.

First half: Man City 0-2 Tottenham

With chants of ‘We want Levy out’ echoing from the away end, Spurs pressed with purpose from the off. Richarlison earned an early free kick, which Pedro Porro first hit the wall before firing the rebound into the side netting.

City’s first real opening came courtesy of a poor Porro header that gifted Marmoush the chance to score, only for the Egyptian to drag his effort wide.

Marmoush remained a menace, forcing two sharp saves from Guglielmo Vicario in quick succession, before later being brilliantly denied one-on-one after Erling Haaland bulldozed through three challenges to set him up.

And yet, with City looking the likelier, Spurs landed the first blow. Richarlison beat John Stones for pace down the right and squared into the middle, where Brennan Johnson tucked home. The linesman’s flag cut short celebrations, but after a VAR check, the goal was eventually awarded.

Hardly 10 minutes later, Tottenham doubled their advantage. City keeper James Trafford misplaced a short pass straight into danger, allowing Pape Sarr to pounce. The ball fell for Richarlison, and after his effort was parried, it fell to Joao Palhinha, who fired home his first goal for Tottenham from inside the box.

Erling Haaland mistimed a header in the last minute of stoppage time as his side went into the break, trailing by 2 goals.

City had an xG of 1.12 to Spurs’ 0.6, but it was Frank’s men who took advantage of their chances.

Incredibly, this was only the sixth time under Guardiola that City had trailed by two or more at half-time at home, with Spurs now responsible for half of those occasions.

Second half: Man City 0-2 Tottenham

No changes at the interval, but City came out knowing they needed a response. Their first real opening saw Nathan Ake’s powerful shot blocked by a sliding Joao Palhinha, who was everywhere in midfield.

Tottenham continued to pose a threat on the break. Porro’s delivery found Richarlison, whose header landed on the roof of the net, before Johnson wasted a promising 5v4 counter by blazing over from distance instead of playing it through to one of his teammates into the box. Thomas Frank wasn’t very happy about that.

City looked stronger after their substitutions, but Spurs’ backline stood firm. Micky van de Ven produced a sensational sliding block to deny Phil Foden, while Bernardo Silva glanced a header wide.

At the other end, Spurs’ substitutes almost combined to add a third, as Lucas Bergvall teed up Wilson Odobert, only for the Frenchman to drag his finish off target.

In stoppage time, Dominic Solanke’s low strike was parried by Trafford before Odobert’s follow-up was also saved.

By then, though, the job was done. Spurs had their second consecutive win to start the campaign and their second straight victory at the Etihad.

FT: MANCHESTER CITY 0-2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Spurs Web man of the match: Joao Palhinha

What’s next for the Premier League table toppers

It is a dream start to the Premier League season for Tottenham. Two games, two wins, five goals scored, none conceded, and a seat at the joint top of the table. Thomas Frank is getting the very best out of his players, and several shone at the Etihad.

Pape Sarr and Mohammed Kudus once again looked immense, and not to forget, Guglielmo Vicario made four vital saves. But the standout was undoubtedly Joao Palhinha. Not only did he open his Spurs account, but he also dominated defensively, making 3 clearances, winning all his aerial duels, completing 6 ground duels, producing 2 tackles, and even 1 incredible block – all without being dispossessed once.

After a week’s rest, Tottenham return home to face Bournemouth in week three, and the league leaders will be looking to extend their perfect start.

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