Manchester City’s first home fixture of the 2025/26 Premier League season ended in disappointment as Pep Guardiola’s side fell 2–0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
First-half strikes from Brennan Johnson and João Palhinha sealed the points for Spurs, who inflicted City’s first defeat of the campaign just a week after their emphatic opening-day win over Wolves.
The victory, masterminded by new manager Thomas Frank, showcased Tottenham’s discipline and tactical organisation.
Spurs stayed compact, frustrated City’s attacking rhythm, and punished defensive lapses with ruthless efficiency.
A costly miscommunication between Ric Lewis and debutant goalkeeper James Trafford gifted Palhinha his goal, doubling Spurs’ advantage after Johnson’s opener.
Despite enjoying nearly 60 percent possession, City found it difficult to break down a well-drilled Tottenham defence and created few clear opportunities.
The win makes it back-to-back victories for Tottenham, moving them to the top of the Premier League table and underlining their early-season intent.
For City, it served as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead in their challenge for the title, with their first home defeat coming just days after a commanding 4–0 win at Wolves.