After four consecutive defeats in competitive matches for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola wanted to turn things around against Tottenham Hotspur. But his team experienced a disastrous evening at their own stadium.
The crisis at English football champions Manchester City is deepening. The defending champions conceded a heavy and well-deserved 4-0 (0-2) defeat against Tottenham Hotspur and were outplayed in places. It was the fifth competitive defeat in a row for the team of star coach Pep Guardiola, who had extended his expiring contract until the summer of 2027 during the week.
Maddison and Porro exploit City's weaknesses to the hilt
Birthday boy James Maddison put Spurs on the road to victory early on with a brace (13th/20th minute). Shortly after the break, Pedro Porro (49) scored in the pouring rain in Manchester. The final goal was scored by Brennan Johnson (90.+3) after an assist from Timo Werner, who had just come on as a substitute.
Series champions City looked unusually vulnerable in defense, which the visitors from London exploited to the full. Coach Ange Postecoglou's side repeatedly put the home side under pressure with quick counter-attacks. Guardiola's team - with former German international Ilkay Gündogan in the starting eleven - looked devoid of ideas when it came to finishing. Top scorer Erling Haaland missed several good opportunities and only hit the crossbar once. Otherwise, Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario was on the spot.
Leaders Liverpool can pull away on Sunday
Guardiola looked perplexed on the sidelines. His Cityzens had last lost at home at the Etihad Stadium in November 2022. After two Premier League defeats in a row, the defending champions remain second in the table with 25 points, while Spurs, who have been very inconsistent this season, have climbed to sixth.
On Sunday, leaders Liverpool FC can extend their lead to eight points with a win at bottom-placed Southampton FC. A week later, there will be a direct clash between league leaders Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City at Anfield.
Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur
- (13.) 0:1 - James Maddison
- (20.) 0:2 - James Maddison
- (52.) 0:3 - Pedro Porro
- (90.+3.) 0:4 - Brennan Johnson
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Liveticker
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Liveticker closed
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90.+5.End of 2nd half
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90.+3.Goal for Tottenham Hotspur, 0:4 through Brennan Johnson (Timo Werner)
Brennan Johnson
Striker
Assist: Timo Werner
Striker
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90.+2.Yellow card Manchester City
Manuel Akanji
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90.Substitution in Tottenham Hotspur
Djed Spence
Defender
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90.Substitution out Tottenham Hotspur
Iyenoma Udogie
Defender
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90.Substitution in Tottenham Hotspur
Lucas Bergvall
Midfielder
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90.Substitution out Tottenham Hotspur
Pape Sarr
Midfielder
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89.Substitution in Tottenham Hotspur
Timo Werner
Striker
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89.Substitution out Tottenham Hotspur
James Maddison
Midfielder
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80.Yellow card Tottenham Hotspur
Pape Sarr
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80.Yellow card Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne
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78.Yellow card Manchester City
Bernardo Silva
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74.Substitution in Manchester City
Jack Grealish
Midfielder
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74.Substitution out Manchester City
Rico Lewis
Midfielder
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74.Substitution in Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne
Midfielder
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74.Substitution out Manchester City
Savinho
Striker
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63.Substitution in Tottenham Hotspur
Brennan Johnson
Striker
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63.Substitution out Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-min
Midfielder
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55.Yellow card Manchester City
Rico Lewis
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52.Goal for Tottenham Hotspur, 0:3 through Pedro Porro (Dominic Solanke)
Pedro Porro
Defender
Assist: Dominic Solanke
Striker
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46.Substitution in Manchester City
Nathan Aké
Defender
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46.Substitution out Manchester City
John Stones
Defender
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46.Kick-off 2nd half
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45.+4.End of 1st half
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20.Goal for Tottenham Hotspur, 0:2 through James Maddison (Son Heung-min)
James Maddison
Midfielder
Assist: Son Heung-min
Midfielder
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13.Goal for Tottenham Hotspur, 0:1 through James Maddison (Dejan Kulusevski)
James Maddison
Midfielder
Assist: Dejan Kulusevski
Midfielder
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1.Yellow card Tottenham Hotspur
Yves Bissouma
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1.Start of the match
