The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Tottenham stay unbeaten, ending Manchester City's perfect start

Matt Turnbull new author
Roar Rookie
2nd October, 2016
Advertisement
Can stability make Tottenham great this season? (John Walton/PA via AP)
Matt Turnbull new author
Roar Rookie
2nd October, 2016
0

Manchester City’s perfect start to the season came to an end against a brilliant Tottenham side at White Hart Lane today.

In a game that the home side dominated from start to finish, the 2-0 score line was probably a little unflattering.

Mauricio Pochettino had clearly sent his side out with a game plan, with Claudio Bravo constantly being closed down whenever he received the ball to feet.

This high-pressing game paid dividends after only nine minutes, with Aleksandar Kolarov turning into his own net from a Danny Rose cross.

City were 2-0 down on 37 minutes, courtesy of a cute finish from Dele Alli. The chance looked to have gone when Alli’s pass was intercepted, but the ball fell to Son, who played an inch perfect pass to allow the Englishman to finish first time past Bravo.

Pep Guardiola found himself in unfamiliar territory, having to give his first half-time team talk as the manager of a trailing Manchester City side.

The second half began in the same mood as the first, with Spurs looking the more likely to increase their advantage.

Wanyama threatened to make it 3-0 with a low drive, before City hit the post through Aguero, via a save from Hugo Lloris.

Advertisement

Spurs had the perfect opportunity to put the game to bed just after the hour mark, when Fernandinho brought down Alli in the box.

After some ‘discussions’ with Heung Min Son, it was Erik Lamela who had the chance to score from the spot. Bravo guessed correctly and went to his left, to make a fairly easy save from a weak penalty.

Lloris maintained the two-goal advantage with ten minutes remaining, pulling off a fantastic save from a deflected Sergio Aguero effort.

That was the last real chance of the game, as Guardiola’s men failed to mount a comeback. That win moves Spurs to within a point of City at the top of the table, with the upcoming international break.

Tottenham are now the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, and have made their best start to a season since 1960/61, when they last won the title.

It really was a fantastic performance from the home team today, who executed the managers’ tactics perfectly, and fully deserved the three points.

Next up for Spurs is a trip to The Hawthorns, to play a West Brom side currently revelling in the goal scoring form of ex-Spur, Nacer Chadli.

Advertisement

City meanwhile will welcome Everton to the Etihad Stadium, where they will be looking to get back to winning ways.

close