Just days after beating Real Madrid 4-1 in LA, Pep Guardiola’s side were once again in irresistible form as they swept aside Tottenham with ease inside Nashville’s Nissan Stadium thanks to goals from John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Brahim Diaz.
Lineup
Guardiola made three changes to the side that beat Real Madrid, the most notable being the return of David Silva, who had missed City’s two previous tour matches through injury.
The Blues again lined up with three at the back - Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi – with Kyle Walker and Danilo expected to get forward and provide City with attacking threat down the flanks.
Fernandinho anchored the midfield, with De Bruyne and Silva given free roles and Gabriel Jesus leading the line up top.
What happened?
Stones’ header from De Bruyne’s pinpoint cross after nine minutes gave them a deserved lead - but how it was only 1-0 at half time is a mystery. City were far superior and Tottenham were riding their luck.
Hugo Lloris denied Danilo’s curling effort and Jesus’s powerful drive, with the young striker also firing wide from point-blank range after fine work from the unselfish De Bruyne. City were on top but just couldn’t find the second goal.
The second period saw much of the same. City were relentless going forward and Spurs struggled to handle them.
Sergio Aguero twice hit the post, before Sterling doubled City’s lead with a neat finish after fine work from substitute Samir Nasri.
And Diaz scored his second in two games with seconds left on the clock to wrap the game up in style.
If City can take this level of performance into the new season, they will be difficult to stop.
Star man
Ederson made a couple of fine saves and impressed with his ability to distribute the ball - but it was the artistry of De Bruyne that stole the show.
He was wonderful for City - their hub of creativity - and when he’s in this kind of mood, it’s almost impossible to contain him.
What’s next
City travel to Iceland next week for a final pre-season friendly against West Ham United in Reykjavik, before returning to the CFA to prepare for the Premier League opener away at Brighton the following weekend.
Highlights of this game will be available to watch on mancity.com very shortly…
