Tottenham Hotspur produced a breathtaking performance at the Etihad Stadium, thrashing Manchester City 4-0 in a result that highlights the significant challenge ahead for Pep Guardiola following his recent contract extension with the club.
This crushing defeat represents Guardiola’s fifth consecutive loss, marking the worst run of his illustrious managerial career.
The match saw Spurs, under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, take full advantage of City’s vulnerabilities. James Maddison, celebrating his 28th birthday, was the star of the show, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes to give Spurs a commanding lead. The first came in the 13th minute, as Maddison expertly finished a pinpoint cross from Dejan Kulusevski. Moments later, a sloppy pass from City defender Josko Gvardiol was intercepted, and Maddison doubled his tally, finishing off a clever reverse pass from Son Heung-min.
While City’s Erling Haaland had two early chances to open the scoring, including a header that went wide, Guardiola’s team could not find their rhythm. Tottenham continued to press relentlessly, controlling possession and adding to their lead in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Pedro Porro capped off a beautifully executed team move, initiated by Dominic Solanke, with a clinical finish that all but sealed the game.
By this point, the home crowd at the Etihad began to show their frustration, with many leaving before the final whistle. They missed Timo Werner’s sublime assist to set up Brennan Johnson for a fourth goal in stoppage time, completing the humiliation for the reigning champions.
This emphatic victory has put Guardiola’s position under intense scrutiny, as Manchester City’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title now appears to be in serious jeopardy.
For Postecoglou’s Tottenham, the result serves as a clear statement of their intentions to compete at the highest level, with the team’s balanced attack and resilient defense on full display. Guardiola will now face significant pressure to restore City’s form and address the growing concerns surrounding their recent slump.
