Tottenham Hotspur delivered a statement performance, demonstrating the scale of Pep Guardiola’s challenge after signing a contract extension with Manchester City, by securing a commanding victory over the reigning champions.
Guardiola, who confirmed his new deal on Thursday, witnessed his team suffer their fifth consecutive defeat — the worst run of his managerial career — against Ange Postecoglou’s in-form Spurs.
James Maddison, celebrating his 28th birthday, struck twice within the opening 20 minutes to put Spurs in control. Erling Haaland squandered two early opportunities before Maddison broke the deadlock in the 13th minute with a superb finish from a Dejan Kulusevski cross. Moments later, a misplaced pass from Josko Gvardiol was seized upon, and Maddison doubled his tally after a clever reverse pass from Son Heung-min.
Spurs maintained relentless pressure, and the game was effectively sealed in the 52nd minute when Pedro Porro finished off a well-worked move initiated by Dominic Solanke.
The stunned Etihad crowd began to leave well before the final whistle, missing Timo Werner’s brilliant assist for Brennan Johnson’s stoppage-time goal to complete the rout.
Guardiola faces a significant challenge if City are to claim a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
