Premier League
Debacle for Guardiola: Man City loses 4-0 against Tottenham
After four competitive defeats in a row for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola wanted to turn things around against Tottenham Hotspur. But his team experiences a catastrophic evening in their own stadium.
The crisis at English football champions Manchester City is worsening. The defending champions suffered a hearty and well-deserved 0:4 (0:2) defeat against Tottenham Hotspur and were paraded in places. It was the fifth competitive game defeat in a row for the team of star coach Pep Guardiola, who extended his expiring contract until the summer of 2027 during the week.
“We have to come back and clear our minds. The season is so long. A lot can happen,” Guardiola said on Sky Sports. He refrained from strongly criticizing his players. The Spaniard appeared combative on BBC Sport. “What defines us is that when we fail, we stand up and face it.”
When asked about the Premier League clash next weekend at league leaders Liverpool, the coach didn’t want to make a prediction. “Before the game I didn’t know what would happen today. So I don’t know what will happen at Anfield,” said Guardiola: “Everyone knows that the situation is new for us.”
Maddison and Porro coldly exploit City’s weaknesses
Birthday boy James Maddison put the strong Spurs on the road to victory early with a brace (13th/20th minute). Shortly after the break, Pedro Porro (49th) scored in the pouring rain in Manchester. Brennan Johnson scored the final score (90+3) after an assist from Timo Werner, who had just been substituted.
Series champions City appeared unusually vulnerable on defense, which the guests from London took advantage of. Coach Ange Postecoglou’s team repeatedly put the home team in trouble with quick counterattacks. Guardiola’s team – with ex-German international Ilkay Gündogan in the starting line-up – seemed out of ideas in the end. Top scorer Erling Haaland missed several good opportunities and once only hit the crossbar. Otherwise, Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario was there.
Leaders Liverpool can pull away on Sunday
Guardiola looked perplexed on the sidelines. His Cityzens last lost at home at the Etihad Stadium in November 2022. After two Premier League defeats in a row, the defending champions remain second in the table with 25 points, while Spurs, who have been very inconsistent this season, climb to sixth place.
On Sunday, leaders Liverpool FC can increase their lead to eight points with a win at bottom club Southampton FC.
dpa
