Again, Tottenham Punish City at Etihad
For the second consecutive season, Tottenham Hotspur delivered a masterclass performance at the Etihad Stadium, defeating Manchester City 2-0 to halt the hosts’ impressive 10-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
The visitors showcased the clinical efficiency that has seen them collect 10 points from their last five visits to Manchester, demonstrating remarkable resilience following their recent UEFA Super Cup disappointment.
What appeared to be a cagey, event-free opening period exploded into life in calamitous fashion for the home side. Despite Marmoush squandering several promising opportunities for City, it was Tottenham who struck first on the counter-attack.
Brennan Johnson thought he had opened the scoring, only to see his effort initially ruled out by the referee. However, VAR intervened to overturn the decision, confirming the goal was valid and giving Spurs a crucial advantage against the run of play.
The nightmare first half for Manchester City was compounded just before the interval when goalkeeper Trafford made a costly error, gifting Joao Palhinha his first goal in Tottenham colours. The Portuguese midfielder’s maiden strike for his new club left City with a mountain to climb.
Despite Pep Guardiola’s side registering a higher expected goals figure of 1.51 compared to Tottenham’s 1.02, they never appeared capable of mounting the comeback their supporters craved. The visitors defended with discipline and composure, rarely allowing City clear-cut opportunities to reduce the deficit.
Tottenham’s tactical organisation and clinical finishing proved decisive, with their game management in the second period exemplifying the maturity that has made them such a threat at the Etihad in recent seasons.
The result provides Tottenham with the perfect response to their UEFA Super Cup setback, while Manchester City will need to regroup quickly ahead of a challenging trip to Brighton next weekend.
Spurs, meanwhile, will return to North London to host Bournemouth, buoyed by another memorable victory at one of English football’s most intimidating venues.
This latest triumph continues Tottenham’s remarkable recent record at the Etihad and serves as a statement of intent as both clubs navigate their respective Premier League campaigns.
