Tottenham Hotspur produced another stunning upset at the Etihad Stadium, beating Manchester City 2-0 on their own turf once again.
Just nine months after thrashing City 4-0 in a blistering performance, Spurs returned to Manchester with a very different — but equally effective — gameplan, grinding out a resilient 2-0 win to silence the champions.
City started brightly, with Omar Marmoush going close twice in the opening stages — first flashing a shot wide from Pedro Porro’s poor header, then drawing a strong save from Guglielmo Vicario with a long-range effort. The Egyptian remained a persistent threat, forcing another stop after being slipped through by Erling Haaland.
But it was Tottenham who struck first — and decisively — with their first real attack. A rapid counter-attack ended with Richarlison’s pinpoint low cross turned in by Brennan Johnson. Though initially flagged offside, VAR ruled in Spurs’ favour and the goal stood.
Tottenham struck again in first-half stoppage time, capitalising on a dreadful error from City’s goalkeeper James Trafford. The young keeper’s misplaced pass inside his own box was pounced on by Joao Palhinha, who hammered home to double the lead. Trafford endured a torrid few minutes, lucky to avoid a red card for a rash collision with Mohammed Kudus moments earlier.
City had chances — most notably when Haaland headed over from close range before half-time — but Spurs shut them down after the break with a disciplined defensive effort.
It’s two games, two wins, and two clean sheets for Thomas Frank’s Tottenham — and another miserable afternoon at the Etihad for Manchester City, who were left stunned once more by a Spurs side that seems to have their number.
