(Credit: Imago)

Ben Palmer

Sat 23 August 2025 14:56, UK

Joah Palhinha was the catalyst for Tottenham’s shock 2-0 win over Man City at the Etihad.

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The Portuguese midfielder joined from Bayern Munich this summer and scored the winner for his new side against the Sky Blues.

Alongside Palhinha, Richarlison‘s tireless work rate was crucial in propelling his side to victory, and Brennan Johnson was on hand to find the back of the net in the 35th minute following a cross from the Brazilian.

The former Everton man was involved once again as he looked to dance his way past James Trafford on the stroke of half-time.

The ex-Burnley shot-stopper poked the ball away before new signing Joao Palhinha fired home, making it 2-0.

There was a burst of activity from City just after half-time, but after Spurs weathered that storm, the North London side had no problems holding out against the Sky Blues and claimed a vital victory to go top of the Premier League.

Thomas Frank will have been delighted with his side’s performance.

Djed Spence has quickly made the left-back position his own, but against Pep Guardiola’s side, the 25-year-old seemed incapable of finding a pass.

Joao Palhinha (off for Danso 90?) – 10 – Player of the Match

Joao Palhinha joined on loan from Bayern Munich, and the former Fulham man looks to be the answer to Tottenham’s number six woes.

Rodrigo Bentancur looked slightly off the pace against City, struggling to complete passes and often losing his midfield duels.

Mohammed Kudus joined from West Ham this summer.

(Credit: Imago)

Mohammed Kudus – 7

Mohammed Kudus joined Tottenham this summer and the Ghana international has settled quickly in North London.

Drifted in and out of the game but was a constant threat on the right wing.

Pape Sarr – 8

Many have expected Tottenham to prioritise signing a new number 10 this summer after James Maddison’s ACL injury, but if Pape Sarr continues to perform in the way he did against City, that won’t be necessary.

Brennan Johnson (off for Odobert 78?) – 9

The Welshman’s consistency when it comes to finding the back of the net is quickly making him indispensable to Tottenham.

Whilst there were no wonder goals scored today, the Brazil international was a constant pest, assisting Tottenham’s first before being the catalyst for their second.

Substitutes

Dominic Solanke (on for Richarlison 78?) – 6

Dominic Solanke managed only four touches of the ball after being brought on, but his energy helped his side maintain their press from the front.

Wilson Odobert (on for Johnson 78?) – 6

Much like Solanke, Wilson Odobert struggled to get on the ball after coming on, but he doubled up well with Spence to defend against City as they searched for a way back into the game.

Dominic Solanke came off the bench late on.(Credit Imago)

Lucas Begvall (on for Kudus 86?) – 5

Took a knee in a rather sensitive area late on, giving away a free-kick in a dangerous area, and had little involvement other than that.

Kevin Danso (on for Palhinha 90?) – N/A

Was not on the pitch long enough to have an influence over proceedings.

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