Manchester City suffered a stunning 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad on Saturday, marking their fifth consecutive loss and bringing an end to their 52-match unbeaten home run.
James Maddison struck twice in the first half, netting in the 13th and 20th minutes, while former City player Pedro Porro added a third shortly after the break. Brennan Johnson completed the rout with a tap-in in the final moments, leaving City reeling.
This loss, their first at home from open play since before the 2022 World Cup, leaves them five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who play their game in hand at bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Sunday.
For Tottenham, it was a major morale boost, easing the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou as they climbed into the top six.
Pep Guardiola, who extended his contract until 2027 earlier this week, is now tasked with turning around what is shaping up to be the most difficult period of his managerial career. Hopes that his new deal could spark a revival proved short-lived.
Rodri, who was paraded with his Ballon d’Or trophy before kick-off, is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering knee ligament damage in September—a loss that has been a key factor in City’s struggles.
City started brightly, with Guglielmo Vicario denying Erling Haaland early on, and the Norwegian striker seeing another shot deflected wide. But the game turned in Tottenham’s favor after their first meaningful attack in the 13th minute. Dejan Kulusevski’s cross found Maddison, who coolly slotted home. Maddison, having been left out of Postecoglou’s recent line-ups, was eager to make a statement.
Son Heung-min’s creative pass then set up Maddison for a second goal, as he chipped the ball over Ederson, doubling Spurs’ lead.
Tottenham’s inconsistency this season had been a concern, with a 2-1 home loss to Ipswich before the international break leaving them 10th in the table. However, this victory follows their impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
City’s defense was further exposed when Dom Solanke, denied by a brilliant Ederson save, set up Porro for a third goal in the 52nd minute. City responded with some pressure, but Haaland’s effort clipped the crossbar, and they were hit with a final blow when Timo Werner set up Johnson for a simple tap-in.
The one bright spot for City was the return of Kevin De Bruyne from a two-month injury layoff as a late substitute. However, Guardiola has little time to fix the issues as they face a daunting trip to Anfield to play Liverpool, where they have not won in front of a crowd since 2003.
AFP
