"I felt we played better than the result suggests," Guardiola said after the defeat at Etihad. "The team started well, but missed simple chances. We have to improve many things, step by step, until we really find our connection and rhythm."
Man City created several opportunities in the first half of the match, including a one-on-one situation for forward Omar Marmoush, who shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Their wastefulness cost them. In the 35th minute, Richarlison beat the offside trap, ran down the right flank, and crossed for Brennan Johnson to tap in from close range, opening the scoring for Tottenham. In first-half stoppage time, newcomer goalkeeper James Trafford played a difficult pass to Nico Gonzalez inside the box, leading to a turnover and allowing Joao Palhinha to score on the rebound, making it 2-0 for the visitors.
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Manager Pep Guardiola directs during Man City's 0-2 loss to Tottenham in the second round of the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, on 23/8/2025. Photo: Man City |
Manager Pep Guardiola directs during Man City's 0-2 loss to Tottenham in the second round of the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, on 23/8/2025. Photo: Man City
Guardiola argued that the result didn't reflect the flow of the game, while analyzing Man City's performance. "We have to play differently when we miss the very simple things," he said. "I never ask them to do extraordinary, special things, just the basics. First, the effort to run, which we have done brilliantly for years, and today as well. In this match, under pressure, the players lacked precision in simple actions."
However, according to the Spanish manager, neither the resounding 4-0 victory over Wolves in the opening round nor the loss to Tottenham should be overblown as the season has just begun. "After the Wolves win, everyone said everything was perfect. But I warned it was too early. The same applies today. This is only the second game; the season is very long, and many things can happen," the 54-year-old manager emphasized.
When questioned about the decision to bench Ederson, Man City's long-time number one goalkeeper, Guardiola said Trafford deserved to continue playing after a good debut in the win against Wolves. He also said that Manuel Akanji, the 30-year-old center-back who is attracting interest from Galatasaray, was left out of the squad for tactical reasons.
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Manager Thomas Frank smiles after Tottenham's victory. Photo: Tottenham |
Manager Thomas Frank smiles after Tottenham's victory. Photo: Tottenham
On the opposing side, manager Thomas Frank was pleased with newcomer Joao Palhinha, a loan signing from Bayern Munich. He believed the Portuguese midfielder wasn't yet in peak physical condition but had shown his class in a big match.
Tottenham also impressed defensively. After a 3-0 win over Burnley in the opening round, they kept another clean sheet at Etihad. "The clean sheet makes me very happy," Frank expressed. "This is a positive sign. This is what we've been focused on improving since last season."
In the third round of the Premier League, Man City will visit Brighton, while Tottenham will return home to host Bournemouth.
Hong Duy compiled this report.
