Mauricio Pochettino’s side made a huge statement just before the international break by beating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side that had a 100% win record in all competitions before the game. An own goal from Kolarov gave Spurs the lead in the first half which was doubled by Dele Alli after a neat exchange with Son just before the half time. Eric Lamela could have scored a third but was denied by Bravo in the second half as the home side managed to take all three points from the game and stay strong in the second place in the points table.
Here is how Manchester City’s players performed on the night:
Claudio Bravo (5):
Had a tough night as the Spurs attackers were breathing heavily on his neck. Was just not convincing on the night as he continues to adjust to the new league.
Pablo Zabaleta (5):
The skipper of the side on the night, Zabaleta, was not able to provide any kind of width in the attack as he penned back and had to defend vigorously for most game.
Nicolas Otamendi (4):
Frustrated his team and Guardiola with a number of rash challenges to give away cheap free kicks. Was also not quick enough to match the speed of passing from the home side.
John Stones (5):
Though started the game with some confidence, Stones was just not able to communicate with his defense line and was caught out of position a number of times giving Tottenham no challenge in the final third.
Aleksandar Kolarov (4):
A forgettable night for the left-back whose early antics gave Tottenham the lead. He was also no competition for the energy and power of Sissoko, failing to have an effect for the second game in a row.
Fernando (4):
Was a spectator at the best place in the park to look at the game. The midfielder was almost non-existent when Tottenham broke forward as he failed to keep up with the speed of the game.
Fernandinho (4):
Put in the hard yards on the night but found too many Tottenham players ready to do more than he did. Gave away a silly penalty and was also not able to have the kind of an impact a Guardiola side’s midfielder needs to have in a game.
David Silva (6):
Was exciting every time he has the ball at his feet but was busy defending for too long in the game to have an impact on goal at the other end.
Raheem Sterling (4):
Was ineffective on the night as his English compatriot got the better of him on the flank. Lost his cool making a couple of rash challenges in the end on a forgettable day.
Jesus Navas (4):
Made a brilliant start to the game but had nowhere near the kind of a game he would have wanted against the title rivals. Was just not able to link up with his team-mates on the night giving away possession too cheaply on many occasions.
Sergio Aguero (5):
Not his usual self as he failed to find space and time on the ball. Came close with a free kick but was not able to have any kind of joy in front of goal.
Subs:
Kelechi Iheanacho (5):
Came on and changes the tempo of the game for a while as he almost got himself on the scoresheet but saw his shot saved by Lloris.
Ilkay Gundogan (5):
Came into the game in the second half and took his time to settle but showed his class late in the game as City managed to peg the home side back in search of a lifeline.
Leroy Sane (5):
Replaced Raheem Sterling with less than 5 minutes to play and hardly had the touch of the ball in a dangerous area.
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