Manchester City suffered a shocking fifth consecutive defeat as Tottenham cruised to a 4-0 victory at the Etihad, ending the reigning English champions’ remarkable 52-game unbeaten home streak on Saturday.
James Maddison stole the show with two quick goals in the first half, while Pedro Porro added to the misery against his former team before Brennan Johnson completed the emphatic win.
The defeat leaves City five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who will play their game in hand against bottom-placed Southampton on Sunday. For Tottenham, the triumph lifts them into the top six and eases pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.
City boss Pep Guardiola, who recently extended his contract until 2027, faces the challenge of reversing the worst run of his career. Despite the optimism his renewal brought, City’s struggles persisted against a spirited Spurs side.
Before the match, Spanish midfielder Rodri was celebrated with a fiery display as he showcased his Ballon d’Or trophy to the home crowd. Yet, his ongoing absence due to a knee ligament injury has left a significant void in City’s lineup.
City began brightly, with Guglielmo Vicario denying Erling Haaland and another effort from the Norwegian deflecting wide. However, Tottenham’s first meaningful attack in the 13th minute changed the game’s trajectory.
Dejan Kulusevski’s cross found Maddison, who calmly slotted home the opener. Minutes later, Son Heung-min’s clever pass set up Maddison to chip the ball over Ederson, doubling the visitors’ lead.
Despite their inconsistent season, Spurs showcased their potential. Following a recent loss to Ipswich, they delivered a dominant display in Manchester, reminiscent of their 3-0 win over United at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.
Early in the second half, Kulusevski provided another assist, with Porro smashing home from close range after Dominic Solanke’s setup.
City’s efforts to respond fell short, with Haaland hitting the crossbar and their attacks largely stifled. Tottenham sealed the rout as Timo Werner burst past Kyle Walker to assist Johnson’s tap-in.
One positive note for City was the late return of Kevin De Bruyne, making his first appearance after a two-month injury layoff.
Guardiola must act quickly to address City’s struggles, with a daunting trip to Liverpool next in the Premier League. The Etihad side hasn’t secured a win at Anfield in front of fans since 2003, underscoring the challenges ahead in their title defence.
