Manchester City’s woes continued as they suffered a stunning 4-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. This loss marks the first time in Pep Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career that his team has experienced five consecutive defeats across all competitions.
James Maddison scored two goals within seven minutes in the first half, with Pedro Porro finding the net shortly after the break, and Brennan Johnson adding a fourth goal in added time. This defeat ended City’s record run of 52 consecutive home matches without a loss in all competitions.
Despite remaining in second place with 23 points, City now trails five points behind Liverpool, the current leaders of the league. Tottenham, on the other hand, climbed to sixth place with 19 points after 12 games.
The defeat against Tottenham marked the most significant loss for City at Etihad Stadium in its history. Additionally, City has never experienced three consecutive league losses under Guardiola’s leadership of over eight seasons.
Maddison, who celebrated his 28th birthday on the day of the match, expressed his delight at the victory, emphasizing the importance of enjoying such memorable moments. Guardiola’s team had 23 shots compared to Tottenham’s nine but struggled defensively throughout the game.
City’s missed chances, including three by Erling Haaland in the first half, ultimately cost them the match. Maddison’s goals, along with Porro and Johnson’s contributions, sealed Tottenham’s victory.
Guardiola’s side must now regroup after this significant defeat, which matches his joint-biggest loss, having been defeated 4-0 by Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Everton in the past. This defeat represents a rare setback for the formidable Manchester City team.
The last time City suffered a four-plus goal defeat at home was in 2003 when Arsenal beat them 5-1. This loss to Tottenham serves as a reminder of the team’s vulnerability in the face of a determined opponent. As City looks to bounce back from this defeat, they will need to address their defensive weaknesses and capitalize on scoring opportunities in upcoming matches.