Tottenham Hotspur continued their strong start to the Premier League season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha sealed the win, giving new coach Thomas Frank another statement result. It was another disappointing afternoon for City against Spurs, who had beaten them 4-0 at the same venue last season. This time too, City were undone by defensive mistakes, with goalkeeper James Trafford enduring a difficult home debut. The first setback came midway through the opening half when Pape Matar Sarr’s clever flick sent Richarlison through on goal. The Brazilian’s low cross found Johnson, who finished with a blistering strike from close range. Although the flag initially went up for offside, a VAR review overturned the decision and the goal stood, sparking loud celebrations from the away fans. City’s problems deepened in first-half stoppage time. Trafford, signed from Burnley this summer for £27 million, tried to play a short pass inside his own box but lost possession under pressure. The loose ball eventually fell to Palhinha, who struck with power to double Spurs’ lead. Trafford had earlier been fortunate to stay on the pitch after a rash challenge on Mohammed Kudus, while his mistake for the second goal only added to scrutiny over his inclusion. First-choice goalkeeper Ederson remained on the bench following illness, with speculation about his future and City’s reported interest in PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma continuing in the backdrop. To make matters worse for Pep Guardiola’s side, defender Rayan Ait-Nouri was forced off injured in the first half, with Nathan Ake coming on in his place. From then on, City struggled to regain control and did not look like their usual self or threaten much to claw their way back into the game.
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For Spurs, the win meant that Frank’s new regime continued on a high, with his side now unbeaten and brimming with confidence early in the campaign.
