Manchester City stumbled to a disappointing 2–0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday as defensive errors proved costly during their second Premier League game of the season.
The Cityzens had strolled to victory in their season opener with Wolverhampton Wanderers but were well aware of the superior threat posed by their bogey side Spurs. A fixture they lost 4–0 last season, Pep Guardiola and his players couldn’t take anything for granted.
Omar Marmoush attempted to single-handedly unlock Tottenham’s defence in the early exchanges, firing three of City’s four shots in the opening half-hour towards Guglielmo Vicario’s goal. Erling Haaland’s blend of brawn and flair forged the Egyptian’s best opportunity, but he was unable to convert his one-v-one.
Marmoush’s profligacy proved costly as Tottenham took a deserved lead. A swift breakaway caught the hosts cold as John Stones played Richarlison onside, with the Brazilian sliding the ball across goal for Brennan Johnson to fire home. Initially ruled out for offside, VAR was on hand to overturn the original decision.
City had hoped the defensive implosions that were prevalent last term had been expelled during pre-season, but another collapse before the break allowed Spurs to double their advantage. A hospital pass from James Trafford was stolen by the visitors, with João Palhinha eventually punishing the summer recruit. Ederson watched on moodily from the bench, while Gianluigi Donnarumma’s agent likely fist-pumped the air.
City were offered several signs of encouragement as they looked to recover from a perilous position, with Haaland spurning promising opportunities either side of half time. The usually reliable Norwegian looked rusty despite his two-goal showing at Molineux last time out, with those around him struggling to conjure up any magic.
The cavalry were called in the closing stages as Rodri and Phil Foden entered the fray, but it was too little too late for City as neither had time to make a telling contribution. Despite dominating possession, they were unable to overcome Tottenham’s resilient defence.
In the end, City ran out of steam and answers, slipping to their first defeat of the new campaign. A reality check for Guardiola’s men after a thumping opening win at Wolves.
