Harri Burton

Sat 23 August 2025 14:43, UK

Pep Guardiola’s side suffered at the hands of Tottenham once again as Man City faced their first defeat of the new Premier League campaign.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring after 35 minutes, and when City appeared to be heading into the half-time break with a one-goal deficit, James Trafford’s mistake handed Thomas Frank’s side another boost.

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Attempting to play out from the back, the new goalkeeper passed the ball straight into Pape Sarr, before work from Richarlison eventually led to Joao Palhinha burying the ball for Spurs’ second.

Erling Haaland missed from four yards out as he attempted to drag City back into the game, and Guardiola’s side created very little else at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 23 August, to lose 2-0.

James Trafford – 2

Gifted Spurs a goal in the first half, an inexcusable moment from the new signing.

Man City fans will be crying for Gianluigi Donnarumma now.

Rico Lewis – 5

Lewis’ attacking ability was completely stripped by Spurs’ counter-attacking tactics.

City fans have missed him at the back, and hopefully, he can get a good run of games now.

Ruben Dias – 5

Spent more time battling with Richarlison off the ball than he did anything else.

Just an off day.

Nico Gonzalez (Off for Rodri 75?) – 6

As a replacement for Rodri, Gonzalez is certainly beginning to find his feet in the Premier League.

Final ball was lacking, though Guardiola will be glad that he stayed this summer.

Omar Marmoush – 7

One of City’s brightest sparks at the Etihad, missing a massive chance early in the game, but was brilliantly denied by Guglielmo Vicario.

(Credit Imago)

Erling Haaland – 3

Could do very little against Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Missed an effort from four yards out, and barely got another chance throughout the game.

Substitutes

Nathan Ake (On for Ait-Nouri 23?) – 6

Added some much-needed stability, but failed to make much of an impact in the final third.

Bernardo Silva (On for Cherki 54?) – 3

Was an extremely frustrating figure, losing possession several times and missed a key chance in the closing stages.

(Credit Imago)

Jeremy Doku (On for Marmoush 54?) – 5

Injected a bright spark into the game, flying down the left flank, but failed to deliver a much-needed final ball at the Etihad.

Rodri (On for Gonzalez 75?) – 6

Showed some real danger after replacing Gonzalez.
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