Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Manchester City

Premier League, White Hart Lane

Goals: Kolarov 9′ (OG), Alli (37′)

Spurs March All Over City

Tottenham Hotspur are left as the only undefeated team in the Premier League after a pulsating game at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

This was a significant result in several respects.  It was Pep Guardiola’s first loss as a manager since Mainz defeated Bayern Munich in March.  It was Spurs’ best ever start to a league season, with 17 points from 7 matches. It was also Tottenham’s third consecutive league win over Manchester City after they beat them at home and away last season.

There was no Harry Kane nor Kevin De Bruyne available, both recovering from injuries.  And for the visiting side, De Bruyne’s seemed more of a vital absence.  There had been a question mark over whether Spurs would be able to cope without Kane against the league leaders who had won their first six matches with ease.  The answer came fast – and it was a resounding ‘Yes!’.

The game hit a frenetic pace right from the opening whistle, befitting of two teams who look to attack their opponents with high tempo football.  Encouraged by a raucous home support, Spurs were in the ascendancy from early on.  Taking the lead from Celtic’s treatment of their opponents on Wednesday night by bossing the game right from the early encounters, they were seemingly getting to every ball before City, it soon became clear that this pressure would help create chances.

Just before the 10 minute mark,  the high pressing game employed by Pochettino’s men paid off. Tottenham’s rampaging start had City rattled, and Aleksander Kolarov sliced the ball into his own net from a Danny Rose cross.  This was an own goal created by the panic instilled in City. They had not seen anything like this in the Premier League until now, and were looking punch-drunk.

Quality players such as Raheem Sterling and Fernando were made to look ordinary, as Tottenham’s creative types (particularly Son and Alli)  ran riot all over the park.  City were left reeling after Dele Alli took his chance well to make it 2-0 on 37 minutes.  Spurs could have even made it 3-0 but for a lamentable Lamela spot kick after Alli won a clear penalty in the second half.

This was Tottenham’s day, but City will be back.  It’s now time for the international break.

Referee: Andre Marriner