Tottenham stun Man City with ruthless Etihad raid

Spurs make it six points from their opening two matches without conceding a single goal.

Both sides had opened their campaigns with strong wins, Tottenham thumped Burnley 3-0, while Manchester City cruised past Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0, but the visitors proved far more clinical on this occasion, snapping a six-game away league drought in the process.

Manchester City, as hosts, started as clear favorites, yet Tottenham's recent record of just one loss in their last four trips to this venue hinted at their potential to cause problems.

The first half unfolded with Tottenham absorbing early pressure before striking decisively on the counter. Pedro Porro fired an early warning shot into the side netting, but Manchester City soon took control, led by the lively Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian forward dragged one effort wide and forced two sharp saves from Guglielmo Vicario, including a clever stop when Marmoush bore down on goal.

Under new manager Thomas Frank, who replaced the more expansive Ange Postecoglou with a pragmatic approach, Tottenham focused on solid defending and quick breaks. This paid off in the 37th minute when Mohamed Kudus flicked on for Richarlison, who squared the ball for Brennan Johnson to sweep home after a VAR check confirmed he was onside.

Just before halftime, Manchester City's defence unraveled as goalkeeper James Trafford's risky short pass under pressure was intercepted by Richarlison, allowing Joao Palhinha to hammer in his first goal for Tottenham from close range.

The second half saw Tottenham stick to their disciplined game plan, limiting Manchester City's threats despite the hosts ramping up possession.

Brennan Johnson nearly added a third on a rapid counter but opted to shoot instead of passing. Erling Haaland missed a golden chance with a header for Manchester City, but Vicario faced few genuine tests as Tottenham's backline, marshaled by Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, stood firm.

This result marks Tottenham's 10th victory over sides managed by Pep Guardiola, more than any other opponent in his career. Manchester City, meanwhile, have now shown early vulnerabilities, with fans and pundits on X noting their struggles without key midfielder Rodri and questioning their defensive setup.

Pre-match, Frank had expressed confidence in his squad, stating he had "big belief that we can come here and get three points" despite the challenge.

Guardiola, reflecting on Tottenham's threat, had acknowledged they "have always been a difficult opponent for us."

For Frank's Tottenham, this gritty display signals a team built for results, while Manchester City must regroup quickly to rediscover their dominant form.

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