City suffer heavy home loss to Spurs

Little went the Blues’ way with the visitors clinical with their opportunities, while only five of City’s 23 attempts were on target.

James Maddison scored two first-half goals, Pedro Porro added a third early in the second period and Brennan Johnson bagged a fourth in added time as the North London side became the first side to win a league game the Etihad since Brentford two years ago.

What happened

There was plenty of optimism before kick-off with the Club and fans paying tribute to Rodri as the Spaniard was presented to the Etihad.

With Pep Guardiola‘s new two-year contract extension also providing a much-needed fillip, there was almost an air of expectancy as the game began.

Indeed, City started brightly and pinned Spurs back in the opening exchanges.

Savinho coasted past his marker before setting up Erling Haaland who saw his shot deflected wide.

On 11 minutes, Haaland went even closer when he fired a shot that Vicario did well to save with his feet.

Withing two minutes, however, Spurs were ahead with their first attack of the game.

Dejan Kulusevski – so often a thorn in City’s side – won possession on the right and curled in a low cross that found James Maddison in the six-yard box and the former Leicester midfielder lifted the ball over Ederson to give his team the lead.

The Blues were still licking their wounds when Tottenham doubled their advantage on 20 minutes as a combination of Son and Maddison saw the latter score his second of the game with a deft finish from close range.

City hadn’t played badly, but Spurs had been clinical with their finishing, while the Blues had not.

There were more half-chances for City to find a way back into the game but either Vicario or wayward finishing ensured the visitors went in at the break with a two-goal advantage.

Nathan Ake replaced John Stones for the start of the second-half, but within seven minutes of the restart, a sweeping move from Tottenham saw Pedro Porro make it 3-0.

As hard as it was to take, the City fans rallied behind the team. knowing just one goal could spark something special.

Just before the hour-mark, Haaland won possession on the right of the box and fired a fierce shot that skimmed off the top of the crossbar.

To add to the frustration, Spurs players repeatedly went to ground after being challenged, with no action taken.

Sub Brennan Johnson scored a fourth in added time to rub salt in the wounds.

All in all, a disappointing way to end a magnificent run on home soil.

WATCH: Ballon d’Or winner Rodri given a spectacular welcome home

Teams

CITY: Ederson, Walker (C), Stones, (Ake 46), Akanji, Gvardiol, Lewis (Grealish 74), Gundogan, Bernardo, Savinho (De Bruyne 74), Foden, Haaland

Subs: Ortega, Nunes, Wright, Simpson-Pusey, O’Reilly, McAtee

TOTTENHAM: Vicario, Udogie (Spence 90), Davies, Drăgușin, Porro, Bissouma, Sarr, (Bergvall 90) Son Heung-Min (Johnson 63),  Maddison (Werner 89), Kulusevski, Solanke

Subs: Forster, Gray, Hardy, Lankshear, Olusesi

What it means...

City’ remain in second spot in the Premier League, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool who face Southampton on Sunday afternoon.

What’s next?

City return to Champions League action with a home game against Feyenoord on Tuesday, 26 November with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 (UK).

Then it’s off to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, 1 December, with a kick-off of 16:00 (UK). 

Pep reaction

“We do not expect opponents to not create chances and score goals. We’re in the moment. We started really well, we had chances and after the first time they arrive we concede. Then it’s a bit more difficult to come back.

“Chances were there. The moment they create the chances the build-up, we couldn’t handle the duels like normally. Now we’re struggling a little bit.

“It cannot happen. When you play top level teams we can concede chances but it’s part of process. In our situation it’s a bit tougher.

“I have to see the situation. The players came back late [from internationals]. There were a few reasons we’re not able to be consistent. Now the balance is not in the right moment. But it happened. We have to do it, talk and on Tuesday against Feyenoord have the chance to try.

“Of course Rodri is important but we knew that for many months. But Stones can only play 45 minutes. Jack has been injured many times. Kevin, two months and five months.

“We have to come back and freshen our minds. The season is so long. Many things can happen.

“Before the game I didn’t know what will happen today. So I don’t know what will happen at Anfield. Everyone knows the situation is new for us. We struggled more without the ball. I don’t know how many chances we created. Our game was there.”

WALKER REACTION

“I wouldn’t say we’ve lost confidence together. I’ve spent eight years with this fantastic group of players and people.

“We’ve lost confidence as a team because we’ve not won for a long time. We have to remember what we’ve achieved together.

“What we’ve achieved in the past means nothing, it’s history. What matters is winning the Premier League now. We’re making it harder and harder for ourselves.

“We have one team above us doing really well. We’ll keep fighting to the end as we always do. The best way to turn this round is on Tuesday.

“We’ll try, we’ll come out and try to get three points. Hopefully the mojo comes back and we see the normal City from the past eight seasons.

“Practice makes permanent. Your powers don’t just go. We as a team know our qualities and weaknesses.

“You get a win, you get your confidence, the mood lightens up and then we’re back to how we used to feel.”