What is going on with Man City?! Five defeats in a row! With the fifth one resembling more of a catastrophe! Today the Cityzens were the washed up veteran, eager to remind of old glorious days, who faced a younger superstar superior in every way – faster, stronger, more motivated – in a word – better.Pep: ‘I couldn’t leave the club in this moment’Simply, today, City’s offense could not match the Spurs’ quartet – Son, Kulusevski, Maddison, and Solanke – which performed a football symphony in front of 55,000 people at Etihad. All Tottenham’s goals were products of pure teamwork and reminded of what football is in its essence and when you score like that, with ease, the names on the scoresheet are irrelevant. Yet, the birthday boy, James Maddison and his first-half brace have to be mentioned, as well as Pedro Porro and the sub Brennan Johnson, who “drove the final nail in City’s coffin” today – 4-0!2016 – James Maddison is the first Spurs player to score a Premier League goal on his birthday since Christian Eriksen in 2016, which also came away against Manchester City. Celebration. pic.twitter.com/rFiik34vJ4— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 23, 2024 Man City awaited the duel against Tottenham in an odd atmosphere. For the first time since Pep Guardiola took over the bench, the team was in the middle of a run of four consecutive defeats. Still, the Spaniards’ recent extension was an immense confidence boost.What the Faes! Belgian’s deplorable defending awards Chelsea with an away winCarried by that boost – and after welcoming Rodri and his Ballon d’Or – the Cityzens opened the game offensively, with Erling Haaland wasting two decent chances in the first ten minutes.And who would have believed those initial opportunities would be the only notable ones for Man City in the first half?! Everything that happened later on was directed by Tottenham, and the leading role was in the legs of the birthday boy – James Maddison!Former Leicester midfielder netted twice – in the 13th and 20th minute – giving his team a precious lead! Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min assisted, tormenting City’s defence, especially the lost and confused Josko Gvardiol and the captain Kyle Walker.Moreover, the Cityzens were even fortunate they had Ederson between the posts since the Brazilian superbly stopped Dominic Solanke and Son. Otherwise, the Spurs would have made it three at the half-hour mark. This way, the home team awaited the break, being 2-0 down.The Gunners show their real face and cut the Trees!And when everyone expected Man City’s return, some Pep’s special move or sub which would confuse the rivals and represent the edge the Cityzens would use to turn the tables, the Spurs netted the third! A four-man fastbreak started by Son, continued by Kulusevski and Solanke, who made an assist, and finished by Pedro Porro took the Spurs and their fans to the seventh heaven as they were 3-0 up against Man City at Etihad!Guardiola’s men did not give up. Haaland crashed the ball against the bar and had a few more attempts – in vain. The Norwegian and Gundogan were both stopped by Guglielmo Vicario one-on-one, while even Kevin De Bruyne’s appearance on the pitch made no difference. As the ref’s ultimate whistle neared, the Italian keeper’s performance became more heroic.The final strike came in the dying minutes, in added time, when Brennan Johnson crowned Timo Werner’s run and assist with the fourth goal in Ederson’s net for a complete catastrophe of Manchester giants.Injury issues can be a valid excuse, but is it good enough to justify five defeats in a row? Hardly. Tottenham’s performance today taught Guardiola and his crew that they are currently far from their usual form and that the rivals won’t hesitate to “kick them while they are on the ground.”20 – With just 20 minutes played against Spurs, this is the earliest Manchester City have been 2-0 down in a Premier League home game since December 2010 (19th minute v Everton). Stunned. pic.twitter.com/sjn5EcoDFE— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 23, 2024 There’s not much time for correcting mistakes. The Cityzens face Feyenoord in the Champions League already on Tuesday, with Liverpool waiting behind the corner. As for the Spurs, they showed that no one should underestimate them easily, returning to the battle for the Champions League and – why not – even the title. If they continue playing like today, anything is possible.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 12SaturdayLeicester City – Cheslea 1-2 (0-1)/Ayew 90+4 pen – Jackson 15, Fernandez 75/Arsenal – Nott.Forest 3-0 (1-0)/Saka 15, Partey 52, Nwaneri 86/Aston Villa – Crystal Palace 2-2 (1-2)/Watkins 36, Barkley 77 – Sarr 4, Devenny 45+1/Bournemouth – Brighton 1-2 (0-1)/Brooks 90+3 – Joao Pedro 4, Mitoma 49/Everton – Brentford 0-0Fulham – Wolverhampton 1-4 (1-1)/Iwobi 20 – Cunha 31, 87, Gomes 53, Guedes 90+5/Man.City – Tottenham 0-4 (0-2)/Maddison 13, 20, Porro 53, Johnson 90+3/Sunday17:00: (9.50) Southampton (5.90) Liverpool (1.28)19:30: (5.40) Ipswich (3.80) Man.Utd. (1.65)Monday22:00: (1.52) Newcastle (4.20) West Ham (6.25)***odds are subject to change***
