(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Sat 23 August 2025 14:38, UK

Tottenham claimed a sensational set of three points after overpowering a confident Man City side 2-0 in their own backyard.

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After a solid performance against Burnley for Tottenham in their opening fixture of the 2025-26 season, Thomas Frank will be thrilled by his side’s display against Pep Guardiola’s men.

Richarlison continued his excellent run of form by delivering an inch-perfect pass to Brennan Johnson to convert for Spurs’ opener.

Then, Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha notched his first goal for his new club after a shocker from James Trafford in goal as Football Insider looks at the winners and losers from the Lilywhites’ victory.

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The definition of beautiful chaos, o Pombo is relishing life under Frank as the starting number nine.

The Brazilian grabbed an assist for Johnson’s goal and caused havoc up top for the City backline with his intense pressing and physicality.

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I’m really pleased that Richarlison is getting back to the player we all know he can be, especially if he can maintain a clean bill of health.

On paper, the match up against the Cityzens suited the Portuguese to a tee to be the prime disruptor in the middle of the park.

The former Fulham midfielder completed a high percentage of his passes as well as winning the bulk of his duels.

Capping his performance off with his first goal in white and navy blue shows that Palhinha is set to have a great season ahead for the Lilywhites.

The Portuguese has started his career in north London relatively well (Credit: Imago)

The Welshman has always had his critics for being a wasteful finisher and below-par player, yet, in recent time Johnson has been stepping up his game.

Today, he was on fire, notching Spurs’ first goal and being precise with his passing in attack, the number 22 was on top form against Guardiola’s side.

With chants of “Johnson again ole ole” ringing around the silent Etihad, I’m hoping the 24-year-old is rediscovering his potential to be one of Frank’s go-to men this season.

I mentioned after the 3-0 win against Burnley how the young full-back thrives when he has more time on the ball, with his performance today reinforcing his wastefulness in possession.

Djed Spence struggled to cope with the pace of Oscar Bobb, losing the ball a whopping 19 times which will frustrate the Danish manager.

I would strongly advise that Tottenham drop Spence when Destiny Udogie is back to full fitness for the trickier fixtures to help maintain control of the ball.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Indeed, the Englishman was not given the licence to influence the match after coming on for Richarlison as a 78th minute substitution, but the form of his competitor will frustrate Dominic Solanke.

The number 19’s niggling injury over the summer opened the door for the Brazilian to fly early on this season.

With a World Cup waiting at the end of the campaign, the former Bournemouth forward will need to find a way to push his way into the starting XI as he continues to lose out to o Pombo.

Richarlison v Man City 23 AugustMinutes played78Shots (on target)3 (0)Key passes1Assists1(Source: Sofascore)

I’ve raved about the Senegalese’s performances of late but this afternoon was tricky one for him despite the result.

Pape Sarr could not get much on the ball and was chasing shadows for the bulk of the match, losing out on several duels.

He’ll still likely be Frank’s go-to across the season but he’ll need to up his displays in order to retain his Tottenham starting berth moving forward.

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