Tottenham Hotspur delivered one of their most memorable performances in recent history, humiliating Manchester City with a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium. In a game filled with drama and dominance, Spurs showcased their tactical brilliance and resilience under Ange Postecoglou, silencing doubts about their potential this season.
Here are the three key takeaways from Tottenham’s emphatic victory.
1. Dejan Kulusevski Dominates Yet Again
Dejan Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s standout performer this season, and his electrifying display at the Etihad cemented his status as a star. Returning to a wide position, the Swedish playmaker was at the heart of everything Spurs created, showcasing a combination of power, finesse, and tactical intelligence that left Manchester City defenders struggling to keep up.
Kulusevski’s contributions were impactful despite having only 30 touches in the game—the second fewest for Tottenham players on the pitch. His quality was evident early, as he delivered a perfectly weighted cross for James Maddison’s opener. The chemistry between the two playmakers was a joy to watch, with Kulusevski and Maddison seamlessly linking up to outwit City’s usually imperious defense.
The highlight of Kulusevski’s performance came during Spurs’ third goal, a breathtaking counterattack. Nutmegging Ilkay Gündogan, bypassing Kyle Walker with ease, and delivering a pinpoint crossfield pass for Dominic Solanke, Kulusevski single-handedly dismantled City’s defense.
Guardiola has previously lauded Kulusevski’s talent, and Saturday’s display would have left the Spaniard once again admiring what the Swedish maestro can do.
2. Ange Postecoglou’s Tactical Brilliance
This victory was a masterstroke from Ange Postecoglou, whose tactical adaptability has often been overshadowed by Tottenham’s inconsistency. Missing key players such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and their preferred defensive midfielder, Postecoglou still managed to construct a game plan that not only neutralized City’s threats but also exploited their vulnerabilities.
Postecoglou’s high-energy, possession-based philosophy was on full display. Tottenham’s pressing was relentless, forcing City into mistakes and creating opportunities on the break. Despite City’s pre-match celebrations of Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph and Guardiola’s contract extension, Spurs showed no fear and took control of the game early.
‘Give him time, give him the money…he’s got a clear identity. He will win trophies at this football club.’
Ange Postecoglou deals out one of the heaviest defeats in Pep Guardiola’s career and Tim Sherwood can’t help but sing his praises. pic.twitter.com/PbgQVRCMw4
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) November 23, 2024
The victory has drawn comparisons to Jurgen Klopp’s early tenure at Liverpool, particularly their 4-1 win at the Etihad during Klopp’s first season. While Postecoglou’s signature win has come in his second season, its significance cannot be overstated. It validates his long-term project at Tottenham and signals the potential for a team capable of consistently challenging the Premier League elite.
As former Spurs player Tim Sherwood aptly stated, “This result is the ultimate vindication of Postecoglou’s principles. It’s what Tottenham needed to believe in the project.”
3. Ben Davies: The Unsung Hero
While Tottenham’s attacking prowess grabbed the headlines, their makeshift defense was equally crucial to their victory. Ben Davies, often seen as a dependable squad player, delivered a faultless performance at the heart of Spurs’ defense.
Paired with Radu Drăgușin due to injuries to Romero and Van de Ven, Davies faced the daunting task of containing Erling Haaland. Early signs were ominous as City pressed Spurs’ backline, but Davies quickly settled into the game, bringing composure and discipline to the defense.
The Welshman’s ability to read the game and execute precise tackles kept Haaland quiet throughout the match. Davies also played a vital role in Spurs’ build-up play, showcasing calmness under pressure and distributing the ball effectively.
Having spent over a decade at Tottenham, Davies has often been underrated and unfairly criticized. This performance served as a reminder of his value to the team. His professionalism and reliability were instrumental in Tottenham’s stunning triumph.
A Historic Result for Tottenham
Tottenham’s 4-0 victory at the Etihad was a seismic moment in their season, especially coming off a shock loss to Ipswich Town just weeks earlier. The result highlighted the team’s potential under Postecoglou and their ability to compete against the very best, even with key players missing.
Goals from Maddison, Solanke, Kulusevski, and an own goal encapsulated Spurs’ dominance in every aspect of the game. This performance wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was about cohesion, tactical intelligence, and a collective hunger to succeed.
Manchester City, on the other hand, were handed a reality check. Despite their dominance at home in recent years, this result exposed cracks in Guardiola’s side, particularly in defense, where they struggled to cope with Tottenham’s quick transitions and fluid attacking play.
What’s Next for Tottenham?
This victory could serve as a turning point in Tottenham’s season. While consistency remains a concern, this result gives Spurs a blueprint for success against top-tier opposition. With Kulusevski, Maddison, and Postecoglou leading the way, Tottenham fans have reason to believe in the project once again.
For Manchester City, the loss will be a wake-up call as they regroup for upcoming fixtures. Guardiola’s side will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and rediscover the form that has made them one of Europe’s most dominant teams.
This win not only provided Spurs with three points but also renewed belief in their potential to compete at the highest level. For Tottenham fans, this was more than just a result—it was a statement of intent. The journey under Postecoglou may still have its challenges, but victories like this demonstrate that the future could indeed be bright for the Lilywhites.
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