Tottenham Shock Manchester City with 2-0 Win at the Etihad, Maintain Perfect Premier League Start Under Thomas Frank
Tottenham Hotspur continued their flying start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, stunning reigning champions Manchester City with a clinical 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. Under the leadership of new manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have now claimed back-to-back league wins, firmly announcing themselves as early contenders.
The match saw first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha, both of whom delivered standout performances that helped silence a frustrated Pep Guardiola and his usually dominant side.
Johnson and Palhinha Fire Spurs to Victory
The opening goal came courtesy of a well-orchestrated team move. In the 23rd minute, Richarlison provided a perfectly timed low cross into the box, which Brennan Johnson calmly slotted home. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but after a VAR review, it was rightly reinstated — sending the away supporters into celebration.
Just minutes before halftime, Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford found himself under pressure after a poor clearance. The mistake proved costly, as Joao Palhinha seized the opportunity to double the lead, smashing the ball into the net to give Tottenham a commanding 2-0 advantage at the break.
City Fail to Respond as Vicario Stands Strong
Despite City’s dominance in possession throughout the second half, the defending champions struggled to find their rhythm in the final third. Their best chance came in the 76th minute when Rodri rose highest for a header, only to direct it straight at Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who dealt with the effort comfortably.
In total, Manchester City managed just two shots on target in the second half, highlighting their uncharacteristic lack of cutting edge.
While Trafford did redeem himself somewhat with a fine double save in the dying minutes to deny Spurs a third goal, it did little to change the outcome. City looked far from the lethal side that scored four against Wolves just last week.
Data Debrief: Frank Equals Mourinho and Conte, Johnson Hits Rare Feat
With this win, Thomas Frank joins an elite group of managers who have beaten Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium with two different clubs, a feat previously achieved only by Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
Additionally, Tottenham have now scored at least twice in each of their last five Premier League visits to Manchester City — a remarkable stat considering City’s home dominance under Guardiola.
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The win also marked the first time since May 2010 that Spurs have claimed back-to-back away league victories against Manchester City.
Brennan Johnson, who has now scored in both of Tottenham’s opening two fixtures this season, becomes the first Welsh player since Aaron Ramsey (2014–15) to achieve that milestone in the Premier League.
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