ENGLAND: Manchester City suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Saturday, ending their remarkable 52-game unbeaten streak at the Etihad. The result, their fifth consecutive loss, leaves Pep Guardiola’s side five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand against bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Sunday.
James Maddison scored twice in a scintillating first-half display, with Pedro Porro adding a third after the break and Brennan Johnson completing the rout. City’s first defeat on home soil from open play since the eve of the 2022 World Cup has left Guardiola’s team reeling, as Tottenham’s win lifts them into the top six, easing the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.
Despite Guardiola extending his contract until 2027 earlier this week, the club’s recent form has raised questions about their title defense. Rodri, who had been celebrated before kick-off for winning the Ballon d’Or, is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering knee ligament damage in September, and his absence has been felt heavily.
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- City started brightly, with Erling Haaland denied by Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario early on, but the momentum of the match shifted in the 13th minute when Maddison struck his first.
Dejan Kulusevski’s cross found Maddison, who slotted home with composure. Maddison doubled his tally soon after, finishing coolly over Ederson following a clever pass from Son Heung-min.
Tottenham’s dominant performance continued in the second half. After Solanke’s effort was denied by Ederson, Porro blasted home a third following a Kulusevski cross. Haaland had a rare chance to reduce the deficit but clipped the crossbar with an audacious attempt, and moments later, Johnson added a fourth after a Timo Werner assist.
City’s only consolation came in the form of Kevin De Bruyne’s return to action as a late substitute after two months out with injury. But with their title defense faltering, Guardiola faces a tough challenge to turn things around ahead of their next Premier League fixture — a daunting trip to Anfield, where City have not won in front of a crowd since 2003.
