Manchester City vs. Tottenham Preview: Can Guardiola’s side break their terrible streak?
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City faces a unique crossroads this weekend as they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad. Following a humbling 2-1 loss to Brighton before the international break, City are mired in a four-match losing streak—Guardiola’s longest as a manager. Not since Stuart Pearce’s reign in 2006 has the club endured such a run, and the reigning champions now find themselves five points adrift of top-of-the-table Liverpool.
The pressure seemed to be mounting. City’s back-to-back Premier League defeats—against Bournemouth and Brighton—have exposed vulnerabilities in a team that is otherwise celebrated for its dominance. Guardiola’s men, typically a model of consistency, have looked uncharacteristically shaky. But despite the tough stretch, there’s reason for optimism among City fans. Guardiola recently committed to a new two-year deal, signaling his long-term belief in the squad, and a slew of first-team stars have returned to training ahead of the busy winter schedule. The clash against Spurs offers an opportunity to reset and reassert their title credentials.
HE IS NOT MOVING🔥🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 21, 2024
Official🚨 . Pep Guardiola has signed a new contract at Manchester City until 2027 pic.twitter.com/lPiByut5Cd
Tottenham, meanwhile, arrive at the Etihad with their own storylines. Ange Postecoglou’s men have been wildly inconsistent, winning five and losing five of their opening 11 league games. Though they sit 10th in the table, Spurs remain just three points off third, underscoring how tight the Premier League race is. Their recent EFL Cup triumph over City, coupled with an impressive record at the Etihad—17 points in their last 10 league meetings—provides a psychological edge. But can they capitalize on a City side desperate to bounce back?
Manchester City vs. Tottenham – all there is to know!
Team News
Manchester City
For Manchester City, the international break couldn’t have come at a better time. Injuries have plagued Guardiola’s side, but the potential returns of Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, and Ruben Dias could transform the squad’s outlook. Erling Haaland, fresh off a dominant international break with Norway, is set to lead the line, while the midfield could see a reshuffle with Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gundogan all vying for starts.
Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner, remains sidelined after an ACL injury that he suffered against Arsenal earlier in the season. It seems that the biggest indicator of how much Rodri deserved the Ballon d’Or is how much Manchester City seem to suffer without him. Rodri hasn’t lost a Premier League game since February 2023 – coincidentally to Tottenham. When he’s not playing, City look like half the team. They tend to employ two midfielders to do Rodri’s job, but that means they end up looking slightly toothless in the business end of the pitch. For Manchester City and football’s sake, it’s hoped that he returns soon.
Tottenham
Tottenham, however, are dealing with their own challenges. Rodrigo Bentancur’s controversial seven-match ban leaves a hole in midfield, while Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert are sidelined with injuries. Cristian Romero, a key defensive presence, is also doubtful. Postecoglou may turn to Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin to shore up the backline, while Yves Bissouma is likely to step into midfield alongside James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
Key Players
Manchester City: Erling Haaland
For City, Erling Haaland is an ever-present threat. Fresh off a productive international break, Haaland has already scored 12 times in the Premier League this season. Known for his exceptional movement, physical dominance, and ice-cold finishing, Haaland thrives on the chaos he creates for opposition defenders. Whether it’s aerial duels or latching onto through balls with blistering speed, Haaland’s versatility makes him a nightmare to contain.
Against a Tottenham defense potentially missing Cristian Romero, Haaland’s ability to bully defenders and exploit space could be decisive. In addition to that, his knack for delivering in high-pressure games and the stage seem set for another Haaland masterclass at the Etihad.
Erling Haaland is closing in on the top 4 and closing in fast!
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 18, 2024
Will he ever break CR7’s hat-trick record? pic.twitter.com/h8Z9hd5OOc
Tottenham: Son-Heung Min
On the other side, Tottenham’s hopes will rest heavily on the shoulders of Son Heung-Min. The South Korean has an excellent record against City, with eight goals and four assists in 19 meetings, and has often been a thorn in Guardiola’s side.
Son’s ability to exploit City’s high line with his pace and precision makes him a perfect weapon for Ange Postecoglou’s counter-attacking setup. Equally adept at creating and finishing chances, Son’s dual-threat nature makes him Spurs’ most reliable outlet in attack. His movement off the ball often pulls defenders out of position, creating space for teammates like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to operate. With City’s defense not at its sharpest in recent weeks, Son will relish the opportunity to punish any lapses.
On this day, 9 years ago, Heung Min Son signed for Tottenham! 🇰🇷
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 28, 2024
What is your favourite memory of the South Korean star? pic.twitter.com/u9KNS0JDc2
Key Statistics
- Manchester City have lost their last four games in all competitions, marking Pep Guardiola’s worst run as a manager.
- Spurs have scored at least twice in each of their last three Premier League visits to the Etihad, a run that includes a thrilling 3-3 draw last season.
- City boast a 35-game unbeaten home record in the Premier League, taking 13 points from 15 available this season.
- Tottenham have won just four of their last 18 Premier League away matches and have lost more games on the road (7) than any other top-flight side since March.
- Under Guardiola, City have lost more Premier League games (6) and conceded more goals (22) against Spurs than any other opponent.
- Manchester City have won just three of their last ten fixtures against Tottenham
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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