JustIn: Tottenham Hotspur stun Manchester City with another away triumph

 

Tottenham Hotspur once again proved to be Pep Guardiola’s kryptonite as they left the Etihad Stadium with a stunning 2-0 victory, a result that not only silenced the home crowd but also fired Thomas Frank’s side to the top of the Premier League table.

It was a frustrating afternoon for City, who looked unusually flat and devoid of ideas against a disciplined and well-drilled Spurs side. Two first-half goals – the first from Brennan Johnson after a blistering counter-attack and the second from João Palhinha following a costly James Trafford error – proved enough to seal the win for the visitors.

Spurs strike early blows

City’s troubles began inside the opening stages when new summer signing Rayan Aït-Nouri was forced off with what appeared to be a minor injury. The disruption unsettled the champions, and Tottenham wasted little time in capitalising.

Just before the half-hour mark, Spurs executed a textbook counter-attack. Richarlison broke free down the right flank and whipped in a low, precise cross that found Brennan Johnson, who smashed the ball beyond Trafford to give the visitors a deserved lead.

City, usually so composed in possession, were then the architects of their own downfall moments before the interval. Goalkeeper James Trafford, under no real pressure, passed the ball directly to Pape Matar Sarr. A frantic scramble ensued in the penalty area before summer signing João Palhinha coolly slotted home his first goal in a Tottenham shirt, sending the travelling supporters wild and leaving City stunned at 2-0 down.

City fail to respond

For all of their dominance in possession, Guardiola’s side struggled to carve out meaningful chances. The usual fluidity in attack was missing, with Erling Haaland starved of service and City’s midfield unable to penetrate Spurs’ compact defensive block.

The best opportunity of the second half fell to Phil Foden, who latched onto a cutback inside the box, but his effort was superbly blocked by the ever-alert Micky van de Ven, epitomising Spurs’ defensive resilience. Beyond that, City rarely threatened Guglielmo Vicario’s goal, leaving Guardiola visibly frustrated on the touchline.

Spurs go top

As the final whistle blew, the contrast in emotions between the two sets of fans could not have been starker. The away end erupted in celebration, with Spurs players applauding their supporters after a disciplined and clinical performance. For Thomas Frank, it was a statement win that highlighted his side’s growing confidence and ability to compete with the league’s elite.

For Guardiola and City, however, it was an afternoon to forget – one where defensive lapses and blunt attacking play combined to hand them their first home defeat of the season.

Lineups

Manchester City: Trafford; Aït-Nouri (off early), Dias, Stones, Lewis; Nico, Marmoush, Reijnders, Cherki; Bobb, Haaland

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Spence, Van de Ven, Romero, Porro; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Kudus