Spurs stun Man City 2-0 to maintain perfect start to season
Published: 24 August 2025, 4:44:42
Brennan Johnson scored his second goal of the season for Tottenham. Photo: Getty image
Tottenham Hotspur continued their dream start to Premier League season under new manager Thomas Frank, pulling off a shock 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Having stunned City 4-0 at the same venue last November, Spurs once again silenced the champions with a clinical and disciplined display, securing back-to-back league wins and maintaining a perfect defensive record.
The hosts began strongly, with Omar Marmoush posing an early threat. The Egyptian forward went close twice in quick succession; first dragging a shot just wide after capitalizing on a loose header from Pedro Porro and then forcing a fine save from Guglielmo Vicario with a powerful long-range effort.
He also tested Spurs keeper again after being set up by Erling Haaland, but to no avail.
Despite the early pressure from City, it was Spurs who struck first. Against the run of play, they launched a swift counterattack as Richarlison delivered a low cross for Brennan Johnson, who slotted home.
The goal was initially flagged offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision, giving Spurs a 1-0 lead.
Deep into first-half stoppage time—extended due to an injury to City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri; Spurs doubled their lead.
City goalkeeper James Trafford mishandled a short pass inside his own box, allowing Joao Palhinha to pounce and smash the ball into the net.
Trafford endured a rough spell, narrowly escaping a red card for a reckless collision with Mohammed Kudus moments earlier.
City had a golden chance to respond before halftime when Haaland found space in the box but headed over from close range.
In the second half, the hosts pushed forward in search of a breakthrough but were continually frustrated by Tottenham’s well-organized defense.
With this result, Spurs have now kept two consecutive clean sheets in the league and shown early signs that Thomas Frank’s leadership could guide them to a strong season.
For City, it’s back to the drawing board after another surprising home setback against a resilient Tottenham side.
