Tottenham Hotspur continued their impressive start to the Premier League season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, further cementing their unbeaten run under new manager Thomas Frank.
Brennan Johnson broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Rico Lewis and a perfectly weighted assist by Richarlison. Although the flag initially went up for offside, VAR intervened to confirm the goal.
Spurs doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through João Palhinha, who pounced on a costly error by City goalkeeper James Trafford to slot home Tottenham’s second.
The result marked back-to-back wins for Frank’s side, following a convincing 3-0 victory over Burnley in their season opener. With two clean sheets and five goals scored, the early signs suggest that Frank’s emphasis on defensive structure and tactical discipline is already paying dividends.
Speaking after the match, Frank praised his side’s organisation and resilience:
“We’ve made real progress in terms of defensive solidity, and keeping a clean sheet here is a big statement. It’s something we lacked last season, and I’m pleased with how the players are responding.”
For Manchester City, the loss was their first of the campaign and extended Pep Guardiola’s patchy record against Tottenham—now eight defeats in his last 15 encounters with the North London club. Guardiola defended young goalkeeper Trafford despite the critical error and acknowledged the threat posed by a well-drilled Spurs side.
Adding to City’s frustration, defender Rayan Aït-Nouri was forced off with an injury in the second half, deepening the club’s early-season concerns.
Tottenham’s win not only highlights their strong form but also their growing confidence in high-pressure away fixtures. With Thomas Frank instilling renewed discipline and purpose, Spurs appear well-positioned for a competitive campaign.
