OneFootball
Alex Waite·23 August 2025
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsOneFootball
Alex Waite·23 August 2025
In a surprising turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite City's early dominance in possession, it was Spurs who capitalised on their chances. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring after a VAR review overturned an offside call, and João Palhinha doubled the lead just before halftime following a City defensive error.
The second half saw City struggle to break down a resolute Spurs defence, with Tottenham maintaining their lead to secure a crucial away victory.
João Palhinha was the standout performer, not only scoring the decisive second goal but also dominating the midfield with his defensive prowess and tactical awareness. His performance was instrumental in Tottenham's victory over Manchester City.
This match marked the third time in five visits that Tottenham has emerged victorious at the Etihad, a venue where many teams struggle to secure points.
Tottenham's tactical discipline under Thomas Frank was evident as they absorbed City's pressure and struck effectively on the counter.
Richarlison's pace and vision were crucial in setting up the opening goal, showcasing his growing influence in the team.
Meanwhile, City's inability to convert possession into goals highlighted their need for more clinical finishing. The match also underscored Spurs' potential as title contenders, with their organised defence and strategic counter-attacks proving too much for Pep Guardiola's side.
Tottenham Hotspur's victory propels them to the top of the Premier League table with six points from two matches, showcasing their strong start to the season. Manchester City, on the other hand, drops to fifth place, reflecting the impact of this unexpected home defeat on their early campaign.
Manchester City will look to bounce back as they travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion, aiming to regain their form and climb the league standings. Tottenham Hotspur will host AFC Bournemouth, seeking to maintain their perfect start and solidify their position at the top of the table.
With this victory, Tottenham has now won 11 of their 30 encounters against Manchester City, narrowing the gap in their head-to-head record. City's dominance in past meetings is being challenged by Spurs' recent successes at the Etihad.
📸 DARREN STAPLES - AFP or licensors
Live
Live
Live