Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City 1-0 in the first week of the Premier League at the Tottenham Stadium, London, Sunday (15/8).
Tottenham secured victory thanks to the only goal scored by Son Heung-min. The South Korean player found the net for Man City early in the second half.
Man City created two chances through Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo in the first 10 minutes of the match. However, the opportunities that Gundogan and Cancelo got have not been able to thrill Tottenham who were escorted by Hugo Lloris.
Tottenham can only threaten the goal of Man City in the 21st minute. Utilizing the set-piece scheme, Davinson Sanchez made a header that was still sideways on the right side of Ederson’s goal.
Mahrez threw away the opportunity to bring Man City 1-0 up in the 35th minute. Being in an open position to welcome Sterling’s pass, Mahrez’s kick from inside the penalty box did not threaten Lloris’ goal at all.
After that, no goals were scored. The 0-0 score between Tottenham vs Man City lasted until the first half was over.
In the second half, Tottenham managed to take the lead in this match. The hosts managed to break into the Man City goal through a goal scored by Son Heung-min in the 55th minute.
The goal stems from a quick counter-attack built by Tottenham. Son who got the ball on the right side of the attack first outwit Nathan Ake before releasing a hard shot that nestled into the corner of Ederson’s goal.
Six minutes later, Tottenham again threatened the Man City goal. This time the opportunity was obtained by Steven Bergwijn but his shot could still be secured by Ederson.
In the 70th minute, Ferran Torres threw away a golden opportunity to make it 1-1. A measured pass from the right that was sent by Joao Cancelo could be reached by Torres but his flick from close range did not lead to the goal at all.
Man City again had a chance to equalize in the 84th minute. Substitute Kevin De Bruyne who received the ball outside the penalty box opened fire into the corner of the goal but Lloris was able to counter it.
Man City and Tottenham took turns to pressure in the remaining game time. However, the 1-0 score for Tottenham’s victory over Man City did not change until the second half ended.
Quoting ESPN FC, Tottenham managed to beat Man City who fielded the most expensive starting XI in the world. Man City have a starting XI with a value of US $ 755 million, including Jack Grealish, against Tottenham.
The Man City bench that contains players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri is no less expensive. Man City’s reserve squad against Tottenham is worth US $ 480 million.
Amazingly, Tottenham were able to beat Man City’s expensive squad without the presence of Harry Kane, bomber and The Lilywhites who reportedly forced a move to Man City in the transfer market this season.
“Nothing is perfect. We still have a long way to go and maybe we won’t be able to win the title, but I am grateful for the support from the fans. The way they help players in important moments of the game is very much needed and I thank you,” said Tottenham coach Nuno Espirito Santo quoted from Sky Sports.
Regarding Kane who did not play against Man City, Santo said the 28-year-old striker was not ready to play after strengthening England at Euro 2020.
“Kane is one of the best players in the world right now. We are lucky to have him. But, he has to be ready to play and help the team. This morning he trained and continued to prepare. When he is ready, he will join the team,” said Santo.
