For the first time in his managerial career, Pep Guardiola suffered a fifth consecutive defeat, as Manchester City’s troubles deepened with a shocking 4-0 home loss to Tottenham. The defeat has raised alarm bells at the Etihad, leaving the defending champions eight points adrift of Liverpool, provided the league leaders secure a win at Southampton on Sunday. To make matters worse, City face the daunting task of traveling to Anfield next week.
The evening had begun with optimism and celebration at the Etihad. Midfielder Rodri showcased his recently won Ballon d’Or trophy to a jubilant crowd, and news of Guardiola’s new two-year contract extension brought an additional boost. That energy carried onto the pitch early on, with City appearing dominant in the opening exchanges.
Phil Foden, operating in the No. 10 role behind Erling Haaland, orchestrated much of City’s early threat. The home side repeatedly sliced through Spurs’ defense, prompting Gary Neville to comment, “It’s a little too easy.” However, City failed to capitalize on their promising start, with Haaland uncharacteristically misfiring. The Norwegian striker wasted two golden opportunities—first snatching at a shot after being played in by Josko Gvardiol and then firing directly at Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after a perfect delivery from Savinho.
Spurs made City pay for their profligacy, taking the lead against the run of play. Dejan Kulusevski delivered an exquisite cross for James Maddison, whose clinical volley left Ederson with no chance and stunned the home crowd. From that moment, the visitors seized control, turning the tables on City and exposing their defensive frailties.
Ederson made a stunning fingertip save to deny Heung-Min Son shortly after, but he was powerless to stop Maddison from doubling Spurs’ advantage. The England midfielder, celebrating his 28th birthday in style, capitalized on a Gvardiol error to produce a deft chip over the City goalkeeper.
At halftime, Guardiola introduced Nathan Ake for John Stones in an attempt to shore up City’s defense, but Spurs continued to dominate. Kulusevski was at the heart of their third goal, surging out of defense and evading two challenges before feeding Dominic Solanke. The forward set up Pedro Porro, whose emphatic finish put Tottenham three goals ahead and the game out of reach for City.
The humiliation was complete in stoppage time. Substitute Timo Werner outpaced Kyle Walker before setting up Brennan Johnson for a simple tap-in, sealing City’s third consecutive Premier League defeat under Guardiola—a first in his storied career.
What had started as a night of celebration ended in despair for City, who now find themselves in their most precarious position under Guardiola’s leadership. With Liverpool pulling away at the top and tough fixtures looming, the reigning champions face a daunting challenge to get their season back on track.
