Manchester City’s hopes of bouncing back from last season’s disappointment suffered another blow on Saturday as Tottenham Hotspur earned a commanding 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha just before half-time secured the win for Spurs, who climbed to the top of the Premier League table and maintained their perfect start under new boss Thomas Frank.
City, dethroned last season after four straight league titles, had shown signs of revival with a 4-0 win over Wolves on the opening weekend. But defensive lapses and uncertainty in goal resurfaced against a confident Spurs side.
James Trafford was again preferred in goal ahead of the fit-again Ederson, who is reportedly close to sealing a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. The uncertainty has fueled speculation about a potential swoop for PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The decision backfired as Trafford endured a nervy afternoon. The 22-year-old’s misplaced pass in his own box allowed Pape Matar Sarr to pounce, and although the keeper blocked Richarlison’s shot, Palhinha slammed in the rebound to double Spurs’ lead.
Earlier, Ruben Dias’s slip had played Richarlison onside in the build-up to Johnson’s opener, confirmed by VAR after an initial offside flag.
For Guardiola, it was another reminder of a recurring issue: in the last 13 league clashes with Spurs, City have managed just four wins.
Phil Foden and Erling Haaland both cut frustrated figures. Haaland, who squandered a close-range header before half-time, also misfired with a key pass to Rayan Cherki when City looked set to claw one back.
Tottenham, meanwhile, showed resilience. After nearly toppling PSG in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this month, Frank’s side have now opened their league campaign with two wins from two—without conceding a goal.
Late on, City were spared further humiliation as Trafford redeemed himself with smart stops from Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert, but by then the damage was already done.
The result leaves Guardiola with pressing questions ahead of the final week of the transfer window, while Spurs continue their early-season surge with belief and momentum firmly on their side.
