Manchester City’s Premier League campaign hit an early stumbling block as they fell 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a composed finish that was initially flagged offside but later awarded after a VAR check.
Spurs doubled their lead just before the break when a wayward pass from James Trafford gifted possession to Richarlison, who teed up Joao Palhinha to slot home.
Key Problems for City:
– Defensive Mistakes: Trafford’s costly error led directly to the second goal, underlining concerns over City’s defensive stability. The backline also struggled to deal with Tottenham’s threat, especially on the left flank where Richarlison was a constant menace.
– Lack of Consistency: City were unable to reproduce the intensity and sharpness from their 4-0 win over Wolves on opening day. Guardiola’s men looked out of sync, and summer signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders failed to leave their mark.
Tactical Breakdown:
– Spurs’ Aggressive Press: Thomas Frank’s strategy worked to perfection, with Spurs unsettling City through a high press and exploiting them on the counter. Their relentless energy in the first half created repeated problems for the hosts.
– City’s Struggles in Attack: Despite enjoying possession, City lacked a cutting edge. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were largely anonymous, while the overall attacking rhythm appeared disjointed.
Post-Match Reaction:
– Guardiola’s Verdict: The City boss admitted his side must improve their consistency and maintain high standards throughout the season. He still offered encouragement to debutant James Trafford, despite the keeper’s costly mistake.
– Frank’s Praise: The Spurs manager hailed his team’s mentality, discipline, and defensive resilience. He emphasized the significance of an away win of this magnitude and its impact on his squad’s belief going forward.
