Manchester City 0–2 Tottenham: Brennan Johnson and Palhinha stun Guardiola at the Etihad

Tottenham Hotspur once again proved Pep Guardiola’s bogey team, leaving the Etihad with a 2–0 victory that underlined their threat on the counter and City’s fragility when chasing games.

The opener came on 35 minutes when Brennan Johnson swept home Richarlison’s cross on the break. Initially ruled out for offside, VAR overturned the decision after a lengthy check, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

City’s evening worsened in the second half when goalkeeper James Trafford, preferred to Ederson, gifted Spurs a second. His misplaced pass was cut out in the box and João Palhinha pounced for his first Tottenham goal.

According to Opta , Guardiola has now lost nine games against Spurs in all competitions during his managerial career — more than any side bar Liverpool (10). With City dominating possession but lacking sharpness, the result raises further questions ahead of a packed autumn schedule.

City dominated possession with 60.4% of the ball and racked up 10 shots, but their expected goals (xG) of 1.48 was matched by Spurs’ clinical 0.92 — highlighting the away side’s ruthlessness. Tottenham’s compact shape denied City's midfield space, while quick transitions exposed City’s high defensive line.

Palhinha’s midfield screening was crucial, while Johnson’s pace stretched City’s back four. Spurs’ five shots off target showed their intent, but it was their ability to convert big moments that defined the result.

By FootballPlace analyst John William

Tottenham’s win at the Etihad was as much about structure as execution. Frank’s side set traps for City in midfield, funnelling play centrally before springing into space. Palhinha offered the balance Spurs have long lacked, while Johnson continues to grow into a reliable wide finisher.

From City’s perspective, Trafford’s error will dominate headlines, but the broader issue was tempo: too many sterile spells of possession without incision. From reviewing their last three matches, Guardiola’s men have struggled when pressed high, a recurring pattern that top opponents are exploiting.

Manchester City must regroup quickly, with a crucial Champions League group stage opener midweek. Guardiola faces a decision on his No.1 goalkeeper, with Trafford’s costly mistake putting renewed pressure on Ederson’s recall.

Tottenham, meanwhile, ride into next weekend’s Bournemouthl full of belief. Thomas Frank’s men will see this as proof they can compete away from home against the league’s strongest squads — a psychological boost for the weeks ahead.

Should Guardiola stick with James Trafford after this mistake — or restore Ederson immediately?