The Cityzens suffered their first loss at the Etihad Stadium in two years, losing 4-0 at home to Spurs in a logically absurd match that left them stunned.
As they celebrated Pep Guardiola’s new contract and Rodri’s Ballon d’Or victory, Manchester City got the evening off to a lively start. However, as Tottenham tore apart their hosts and handed the champions their fifth straight loss, the atmosphere quickly started to take on the feel of a funeral.
Josko Gvardiol’s awful defending helped James Maddison score twice in the first half, and City never bounced back. Dejan Kulusevski was in charge, Erling Haaland was at his wasteful worst, and Ilkay Gundogan was unable to handle the game’s intensity.
Pedro Porro scored a third goal, and substitute Brennan Johnson added a fourth in the final minute, making Manchester City’s biggest loss since they moved to the Etihad Stadium 21 years ago and their heaviest home loss under Guardiola.
GOAL rates Man City’s players from the Etihad Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Made a fine tip over from Son Heung-min and thwarted Dominic Solanke and later Kulusevski. But there was little he could do in the face of such bad defending.
Kyle Walker (4/10):
Too slow to get back for the second goal and lacked authority throughout the game.
John Stones (4/10):
Lost track of Maddison for the first goal and then left dazzled by Son’s dribble and pass for the second. Taken off at half-time.
Manuel Akanji (4/10):
Made some wise interventions in the first half to prevent the scoreline getting even worse but didn’t think to block a crossfield ball from Grealish which led to the final strike.
Josko Gvardiol (3/10):
Let Kulusevski get away before the first goal then gifted Spurs the second by surrendering the ball. Tried to make amends in attack but it was just not his day.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Part of the general problem in midfield of a lack of power but showed some belief in the second half.
Ilkay Gundogan (4/10):
Slow and ineffective. Couldn’t give the team any control in midfield.
Rico Lewis (4/10):
Couldn’t handle the electric Kulusevski. Booked for showing his frustration with an aggressive foul on Maddison.
Attack
Savinho (3/10):
Made one exciting run to tee up Haaland in the opening minutes but that was it. His final ball was poor and at times looked like he was not giving his all.
Erling Haaland (3/10):
Was too slow when receiving a pass from Gvardiol, seeing his shot blocked by Ben Davies. That set the tone for a woeful evening in front of goal, taking seven shots but only finding the target twice.
Phil Foden (4/10):
Looked sharp at the start but then faded and couldn’t get a grip on the game.
Subs & Manager
Nathan Ake (5/10):
Easily beaten by Kulusevski in the build-up to the third goal.
Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):
Gave the team a bit of a spark, setting up a couple of chances.
Jack Grealish (6/10):
Added some energy and effort. Lost the ball before the fourth goal but it was more on Akanji.
Pep Guardiola (4/10):
Might be regretting signing that new contract as he has a huge rebuild on his hands. Can point to injuries but his team just do not look like their usual selves.
