Tottenham 1-0 Manchester City: Champions Defeated

In a bit of a shock in North London, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City were beaten by Tottenham in a limp start to their title defense. For the first time in the Pep Guardiola in six attempts, City have not won on opening day, and further compiling their misery, they were also unable to even grab a point.

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A stunning goal from Heung-Min Son separated the two sides, but Spurs looked visibly improved under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo and created a host of chances. City fielded a weakened starting XI and also managed to create opportunities, but without a true center forward were unable to put them away. Furthermore, Spurs managed to play very well even in the absence of star striker Harry Kane, who has been continually linked with a move to the side that his current team just defeated.

For City, it is not panic stations yet as it is just the opening match, but there were worrying signs. Spurs were worthy winners of this match, and despite the absences in the team, City’s £100 million star Jack Grealish was on the pitch along with reigning FWA Player of the Year Rúben Dias. In the weekend’s most high-profile Premier League fixture, City did not look up to speed, while title rivals Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool all ripped through their respective opposition en route to three points.

Next. Manchester City Vs Tottenham Hotspur: A preview. dark

The questions will now be asked if this was simply a blip on the radar for a team that hasn’t clicked into gear yet or potential early warning signs of a down year for Pep Guardiola’s team. The answer will depend entirely on how this team responds in the coming weeks, which feature league matches against Norwich (who stunned City early in the 2019-20 season, their last in the Premier League) and Arsenal.