Tottenham Hotspur achieved their first statement win of the Thomas Frank era with a well-deserved defeat against Manchester City.
Following the opening victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, there was a lot of excitement about Pep Guardiola’s revived and revitalised squad, but this home setback revealed many of the same defensive issues.
Spurs’ game plan was simple: attack City’s high defensive line, which they did flawlessly, with the speed and directness of Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson out wide complimenting Richarlison in the middle.
City appeared to have things under control for half an hour, but they produced little and crumbled when Johnson put the visitors ahead.
Tottenham humble Man City again in victory that was all too easy
Richarlison did an excellent job of staying onside; the goal was allowed to stand after he was incorrectly flagged offside in real time, and the rampaging Johnson rocketed his cross beyond James Trafford.
Trafford will not have good memories of his home debut. With City’s former number one Ederson on the bench, the England international has unexpectedly been named first choice on his return from Burnley.