EPL: Tottenham Triumph Over Manchester City 2-0 in Premier League

Spurs cruise past City

Tottenham Hotspur secures a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, showcasing their defensive strength and tactical discipline under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, marking their sixth consecutive away league win drought. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 35th minute, and João Palhinha doubled the lead in the 45th+2 minute, showcasing Spurs' impressive form.

Both Tottenham and Manchester City began the 2025/26 Premier League season with strong wins. Spurs thrashed Burnley 3-0 at home, while City dominated Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0. This latest result demonstrates Tottenham's growing momentum, with key players like Brennan Johnson and João Palhinha making significant contributions.

The hosts, Manchester City, were favored to win in front of their home crowd, but Tottenham's recent form suggested they would be a tough opponent. Indeed, the first half belonged to the visitors, who showed their quality despite Pedro Porro's early shot hitting the side netting.

Tottenham started the match on a strong note, with their visitors' record of just one defeat in their past four matches at the Etihad a testament to their resilience. However, Manchester City soon took control, with Omar Marmoush playing a key role in their dominance. The match was competitive, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.

With Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham adopted a more pragmatic approach, shifting from Ange Postecoglou's attack-minded style. They opted to absorb pressure and strike on the counter, a tactic that ultimately led to the first goal. Frank's experience in guiding Brentford to Premier League success suggests he might prioritize defensive solidity while still seeking opportunities to catch opponents off guard.

Spurs win at Etihad Stadium! ⚪️👊 pic.twitter.com/Y6WF93Ft9p

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 23, 2025

Frank's tactical flexibility allows him to adapt his team's shape according to the opponent. At Brentford, he often used a back three or four, depending on the game plan. His teams tend to press judiciously, pushing opponents wide before launching a coordinated press. This approach might serve Spurs well, especially against strong opponents like Manchester City.

The appointment of Frank marks a significant shift in Spurs' playing style, potentially leading to a more functional and pragmatic approach. While Postecoglou's high-octane style thrilled fans, defensive frailties and lack of plan B led to his downfall. Frank's ability to maximize undervalued talent and discipline without suffocating creativity could stabilize Spurs and provide the team with an identity.

Mohammed Kudus flick-on allowed Richarlison to break free and deliver a precise cross to Brennan Johnson, who slotted the ball home with ease, giving Tottenham a 1-0 lead. This goal showcased the team's impressive attacking play and Johnson's clinical finishing.

Tottenham doubled their advantage shortly before halftime when James Trafford's attempted short pass in his own box was intercepted by Pape Matar Sarr. Although Trafford managed to block Richarlison's shot, Joao Palhinha was quick to pounce on the rebound, hammering the ball into the back of the net for his first Tottenham goal. This mistake highlighted City's defensive vulnerabilities and Trafford's struggles.

Tottenham maintained their disciplined approach in the second half, sticking to the game plan that had given them a 2-0 lead at halftime. Although they didn't create as many scoring opportunities as they had in the first half, Brennan Johnson's swift move forward showed promise. If he had passed to a teammate instead of taking the shot himself, Spurs might have sealed the win even more convincingly.

Despite Manchester City's efforts, they struggled to pose a significant threat to Guglielmo Vicario's goal. Thomas Frank's tactical approach seemed to have neutralized City's attacking prowess, and the visitors' defense held firm. City's inability to create clear-cut chances was evident, with only four shots on target throughout the game. The introduction of Rodri and Phil Foden in the second half failed to spark City's offense, and Spurs successfully defended their lead.

As the match neared its conclusion, Manchester City dominated possession, but Tottenham's defense held firm, keeping the Citizens' potent attack at bay. This defensive solidity was a key factor in Tottenham's 2-0 victory, showcasing the team's ability to withstand pressure and protect their lead.

Tottenham's win marked a surprisingly comfortable afternoon's work for Thomas Frank's side, who have now earned a maximum six points from their opening two matches without conceding a goal. This impressive start to the season highlights the team's defensive strength and overall cohesion, setting a promising tone for the rest of the campaign.