Manchester City FC

WHEN AND WHERE

We host Spurs in the Premier League on Saturday 23 August, with the game scheduled for kick-off at the Etihad Stadium at 12:30 (UK).

The game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

You can also keep across all of the action via the official Man City app, as well as the key moments on X/Twitter: @ManCity.

Supporters living around the world can find out how they can tune in via our global listings, courtesy of livesoccertv.com.

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Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at around 11:15 (UK).

Steph Houghton and Michael Brown will be the guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.

During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.

Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.

We’ll have a quick-hit 2-minute highlights package available from 16:00 (UK) while you can sign-in to watch a free 8-minute edit from midnight.

On CITY+ meanwhile, from midnight there’ll be our popular full-match replay as well as our new extended highlights offering which features the best 20 minutes of action from the game.

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OPPOSING MANAGER - THOMAS FRANK

Frank joined Spurs in the summer replacing Ange Postecoglou as head coach after an incredibly successful spell in charge of Brentford from October 2018, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, recording impressive 13th, ninth, 16th and 10th-place finishes in the top-flight.

The Dane is already looking to put his stamp on the Spurs side, bringing in high profile players like winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, and midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich.

The 51-year-old adopts an intense style of play, with energy, aggression and efficient set-pieces a key part of his tactical plan.

DANGER MEN

The North London side were unlucky to lose James Maddison to a long-term injury in pre-season, and have also seen long-term City nemesis Heung-Min Son leave for MLS side Los Angeles FC, so a large chunk of attacking output will be expected from forwards Richarlison and Kudus.

The pair combined impressively in their last game for two goals against Burnley, with Kudus crossing twice for a brilliant Richarlison brace.

Another threat comes from the opposite end of the pitch in the form of right-back Pedro Porro.

The former City man enjoys flying up the flank and is expected to be sharing set-pieces with Kudus, with his whipped crosses a nuisance for defenders to deal with.

Porro scored twice in the league last season, including a sweet strike against City, and picked up six assists, so City will have to be wary of his threat going forward.

PEP GUARDIOLA PREVIEW

Pep Guardiola will be facing the media for the pre-match press conference from 13:30 (UK) on Friday 22 August, where the City boss will provide all the latest team news updates and you can follow it live on mancity.com and our official app.

Don’t worry if you are unable to watch Pep’s press conference as it happens as we’ll have a written review and video recap soon after it has concluded.

PREVIOUS MEETING

We last welcomed Spurs to the Etihad in November last year, where our long unbeaten Premier League home run - stretching back 35 games to November 2022 - came to an end with a 4-0 loss.

James Maddison scored two first-half goals, Porro added a third early in the second period and Brennan Johnson bagged a fourth in added time at the end of the game.

In the reverse fixture later in the season, an Erling Haaland goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win for the Blues, which moved us back into the top four.

LAST TIME OUT

Opening day specialist Erling Haaland bagged a brace while summer signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki scored on their Premier League debuts as City got off to the perfect start courtesy of a 4-0 opening day victory at Wolves in our last fixture.

As for Spurs, they claimed an impressive 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Burnley in their opening league fixture, with a Richarlison brace added to by a Brennan Johnson goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

MATCH OFFICIALS

To be confirmed...

GLOBAL TV LISTINGS

Supporters around the world can find out how to tune in to watch the match live by clicking here, courtesy of livesoccertv.com.

(Listings correct as of 17 August)

Aoba Fujino’s euphoric first top-flight goal for the Club in the 78th helped us to the hard-fought success at Brisbane Road in what was our first assignment since the conclusion of February’s international break.

The hosts made a bright start in the capital but Gareth Taylor’s side broke the deadlock against the run of play and the Japan international was at the centre of the clinical attack.

Fujino played a neat one-two with Laura Blindkilde Brown before whipping a vicious cross into the box where Vivianne Miedema powered a header into the back of the net for her eighth in sky blue.

MATCH REPORT | SPURS 2-1 CITY

However, Robert Vilahamn’s side equalised with 15 minutes remaining in the first half through Bethany England’s improvised effort.

Following the interval the contest ebbed and flowed with both teams creating opportunities, but as the game progressed, a draw grew in likelihood.

That was until Fujino combined well with Yui Hasegawa on the right to arrive into the box before she shifted the ball onto her left foot and slammed it into the top corner.

City then hung on for three precious points in east London as we move into an action-packed month of March.

CITY+ subscribers can watch the best of the action from a unique angle via Pitcam in the video player above!

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Gareth Taylor’s side recorded a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Gaughan Group Stadium as we move into an action-packed month of March.

Vivianne Miedema broke the deadlock before her opener was cancelled out by Beth England’s strike ahead of half-time.

With the scores level as the clock ticked past the 75-minute mark Aoba Fujino restored our lead with a rocket into the roof of the net which helped us to three vital points.

MATCH REPORT: SPURS 1-2 CITY

Following Spurs’ bright start, the visitors scored the game’s first goal against the run of play when Fujino’s pinpoint cross from the right was powerfully headed home by Miedema.

Undeterred after conceding, Robert Vilahamn’s side equalised on 30 minutes when Olivia Holdt lifted the ball into England’s path for the clinical striker to tuck home.

Both teams then created chances after the interval but the afternoon’s third goal fell to the Blues and it was an effort which deserved to win any football match.

Fujino linked up well with Hasegawa before the former recollected the ball, shifted it onto her left foot and slammed into the top corner.

The fixture represented our first outing since the conclusion of February’s international break where a number of Blues stars shined on the global stage.

But it was back to domestic business for Gareth Taylor’s side as we looked to extend our winning streak in all competitions to four straight matches.

Standing in our way of three points was Robert Vilahamn’s side who were aiming to bounce back from their defeat to Arsenal in their previous outing.

In November’s reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium, a Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw hat-trick and Jill Roord’s second-half strike helped us to an emphatic 4-0 win.

But how would proceedings play out this time around?

CITY+ subscribers can find out in the video player above!

CITY+

CITY+ is available via an annual subscription of £34.99 a year, saving you £24 on our monthly offering.

Choose monthly and pay £4.99 a month with the option to cancel anytime.

Official Cityzens and Season Ticket Members can subscribe annually for £30 a year, a saving of £29.

Aoba Fujino’s first WSL goal earned City all three points at the Gaughan Group Stadium.

The Blues had taken the lead through Vivianne Miedema’s early header, but Spurs drew level before the break when Beth England fired home.

MATCH REPORT: SPURS 1-2 CITY

City continued to press for the winner, and it would eventually arrive with 12 to play when Fujino combined with her Japan team-mate Yui Hasegawa.

Cutting inside on her left foot, the winger smashed a vicious drive into the top corner of the Spurs net to seal an important victory.

The Blues could have won by a bigger margin with Ashleigh Neville clearing off the line from Miedema, plus Jess Park and Fujino both going close late on.

But City had already done enough to get an important three points and kickstart a busy March schedule with a win.

Thank you as always for your company this afternoon - what a brilliant way to start a busy month of action for City!

It wasn't pretty at times, but the Blues dug deep and got the win we deserved thanks to a Miedema header and excellent Fujino winner - her first goal in the WSL.

It's straight onto West Ham on Wednesday now, so join us again from 17:30 at the Chigwell Construction Stadium as we aim to make it three from three in the league.

Until then, keep across mancity.com and the official Man City app for plenty of reaction to today's clash!

"I'm really pleased for Aoba, it was a deserved goal and a fabulous finish. She's done a lot of really good stuff for the team.

"We want players to be able do that, getting goals and assists are really important in those positions and she's been creating a lot.

"It was the first goal she's had in a while which will give her confidence and so it should.

"You couldn't wish to work with a better person, she's out consistently practicing her crossing and finishing every single day. When that happens you're just really pleased for her."

"I have to give great credit to the girls on how they adapted so quickly after being away for so long. We found it tough today, but scored with a brilliant goal on our first attack.

"Spurs are direct but the girls stood up to it. We improved in the second half and caused a lot of clearances from their goalkeeper, and then one that potentially went over the line.

"Sometimes you have to win ugly and find a way to win and we certainly did that. I have a feeling the whole month is going to be like this, pitches aren't great at the moment so we're going to struggle maybe to play our game in possession so we have to fight.

"If winning ugly this month is the word then we'll have to do it."

"I think it was tough playing against this team and on this pitch as well. But we got together after the break and we got the three points, that's the most important thing.

"It was tough but very positive and gives us a lot of confidence for what's coming. We need to fight together as a team like today, and that's the way we need to follow.

"It doesn't matter the way we win, the important thing is we show our character and quality no matter and I think that's what we did."

"I think it's super positive and important for us. Everyone is playing for the team and it's amazing.

"We were just waiting for Aoba's celebration, she's so funny. She's a good person and player for the team so we enjoyed her goal.

"It's a super important month for us, but I think we're ready to face the games. And this gives us a lot of confidence and strength to go and win."

And the Spanish defender says she and the rest of the Blues squad were delighted to see the Japan international score the euphoric winner in our hard-fought 2-1 over Spurs.

After Vivianne Miedema’s opener was cancelled out by Beth England’s strike before half-time at Brisbane Road, a draw in our latest Barclays Women’s Super League assignment grew in likelihood after the clock ticked past the 75th minute.

That was until Fujino linked up nicely with Yui Hasegawa before the former shifted the ball onto her left foot and rifled it into the top left corner three minutes later.

City then held on for three precious points as we move towards the business end of the campaign and Aleixandri says the victory will be a source of confidence as we navigate an action-packed schedule in March.

“We were just waiting for Aoba’s celebration [after her goal], she’s so funny,” she declared.

“She’s a good person and player for the team so we enjoyed her goal. I think it’s super positive and important for us. Everyone is playing for the team and it’s amazing.

“I think it was tough playing against this team and on this pitch as well. But we got together after the break and we got the three points, that’s the most important thing.

“It was tough but very positive and gives us a lot of confidence for what’s coming. We need to fight together as a team like today, and that’s the way we need to follow.

“It doesn’t matter the way we win, the important thing is we show our character and quality no matter and I think that’s what we did.”

“It’s a super important month for us, but I think we’re ready to face the games. And this gives us a lot of confidence and strength to go and win.”

A keenly-fought encounter looked destined to end all square until Aoba Fujino rifled home her first WSL goal to seal the points for the Blues.

City had taken the lead through Vivianne Miedema’s header against the run of play, but the hosts responded before the break through Beth England.

But despite a difficult playing surface and a rapid turnaround from the international break, Taylor’s side found a way to get the win.

“I have to give great credit to the girls on how they adapted so quickly after being away for so long,” the boss reflected after the game.

MATCH REPORT: SPURS 1-2 CITY

“Spurs are direct but the girls stood up to it. We improved in the second half and caused a lot of clearances from their goalkeeper, and then one that potentially went over the line.

“Sometimes you have to win ugly and find a way to win and we certainly did that. I have a feeling the whole month is going to be like this, pitches aren’t great at the moment so we’re going to struggle maybe to play our game in possession so we have to fight.

“If winning ugly this month is the word then we’ll have to do it.”

Following a bright Spurs start, City took the lead against the run of play through Vivianne Miedema’s well-met header, but Bethany England equalised before half-time.

Both teams created chances after the break but it looked likely the contest would end in a draw before Fujino smashed home a fantastic effort on 78 minutes to restore our advantage.

It means Gareth Taylor’s side have moved back into the division’s top three - albeit having played a game more than fourth-placed Arsenal.

WHAT HAPPENED

Spurs entered the meeting looking to bounce back from their 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in their final assignment ahead of the international break and they made a fast start in east London.

Eveliina Summanen tested the hands of Ayaka Yamashita before England’s fierce shot was blocked wide after she collected the ball inside the box.

Gareth Taylor’s side boasted a strong defensive record against the Londoners having not conceded in each of our last three games with Robert Vilahamn’s side, but the hosts came close to breaking the deadlock in the latest meeting.

We defended a corner well before the ball looped towards Ella Morris’ direction, allowing her to strike a venomous volley which flew just wide of Yamashita’s top corner.

But, against the run of play, City scored with our first attack of the match following a well-crafted move down the right – allowing Fujino’s cross to be headed home by Miedema.

The Japan international played a neat one-two with Laura Blindkilde Brown – sending the winger down the right before her pinpoint cross was powerfully nodded into the back of the net by the WSL’s all-time leading scorer.

It represented the Netherlands international’s eighth goal in 12 outings since her summer arrival at the Club.

That somewhat knocked the wind out of Spurs’ sails following their breathless start and another City cross almost paid dividends when Leila Ouahabi’s ball from the left was headed over by Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw.

A rare missed opportunity by the Jamaican who has netted an impressive three hat-tricks against Vilahamn’s side - the most of any player against the same team in the competition’s history.

Spurs were then forced into making a substitution on the 30-minute mark when Martha Thomas was replaced by Olivia Holdt due to injury.

And the latter made her presence felt almost immediately when she broke into the box and lifted the ball to England, who found the roof of the net with an improvised effort.

The hosts then arguably finished the half the stronger of the two teams as Ashleigh Neville got the better of Casparij and teed up Charlotte Grant, whose dangerous cross was well cleared by Naomi Layzell before it could reach England.

And Spurs’ striker came close to finding her second of the afternoon on the cusp of the break when her header from a corner was cleared off the line by Miedema before Holdt fired over from close-range.

City had 18 players away on international duty across tournaments, friendlies and training camps and the taxing journeys from around the world looked to have sapped some of the energy out of our players on the first assignment back.

The Blues were then hugely let off when a ball over the top found Matilda Vinberg alone inside the box, but Spurs’ forward lashed her effort wide when she had time and space to line up her shot.

That seemed to spring fresh life into Taylor’s team and Yui Hasegawa’s curled attempt towards the top corner was grabbed by the grateful Lize Kop before City thought we had regained the lead.

From a corner, Miedema again met the ball with a powerful header which flew past Kop but Neville was on hand on the line to scoop the ball onto the cross bar with her right foot.

Blues players were adamant it had already crossed the line, but the referee and assistant were unmoved and the scores level.

That rise in temperature sprung the game into an end-to-end contest and Spurs came close on two occasions when England nipped in ahead of Aleixandri and fired over the bar before Grant’s effort followed the same trajectory.

With the clock approaching the final 10 minutes a draw looked increasingly likely, before Fujino scored a phenomenal goal which regained our lead.

The winger and Hasegawa combined wonderfully down the right before the 20-year-old collected the ball, flicked it onto her left foot and rifled it into the top left corner.

It was a goal fit to win any game and City held on for three precious points in the capital.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: AOBA FUJINO

Fresh from helping Japan to SheBelieves Cup glory during the international break, Fujino maintained her fine form with a goal and an assist in the capital.

The February Etihad Player of the Month nominee was the instigator of most of our fine attacking play and deserved the winner for her continued sparkling displays since the turn of the year.

HOW WE LINED UP

Taylor made three changes from the XI who started our 4-0 win over Liverpool before the international break.

Ayaka Yamashita’s goal was protected by Kerstin Casparij, Naomi Layzell, Laia Aleixandri and Leila Ouahabi.

Yui Hasegawa anchored our engine room with Laura Blindkilde Brown and Vivianne Miedema playing further forward than the Japan international.

The front three was then spearheaded by Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw with Kerolin Nicoli on the left wing and Aoba Fujino on the right.

Spurs XI: Kop, Grant, Morris, Bartrip, England (C), Vinberg, Thomas (Holdt 30’), Buhler, Spence, Summanen (Rybrink 66’), Neville.

Unused substitutes: Heeps, Nilden, Naz, Oroz, Csiki, Ayane, Gunning-Williams.

City XI: Yamashita, Casparij, Layzell, Aleixandri (C), Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Blindkilde Brown (Roord 69’), Miedema, Fujino, Kerolin Nicoli (Park 69’), Shaw (Fowler, 69’).

Unused substitutes: Keating Wienroither, Prior, Oyama, Murphy, Davies.

WHAT IT MEANS

The win over Spurs moves us up to third in the WSL table on 31 points – albeit having played a game more than fourth place Arsenal.

WHAT’S NEXT

It’s a quick turnaround for City who return to the capital on Wednesday 5 March to lock horns with West Ham.

Kick-off at Chigwell Construction Stadium is set for 19:00 (UK) and there will be comprehensive coverage of the WSL clash on mancity.com and our official App.

In general, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for the Blues and Spurs have been something of a bogey team for City over the years.

But this would be a confident and deserved win for Pep’s men.

Our Pitcam highlights feature unusual angles and moments unseen by the broadcast cameras.

Watch the game again through fresh eyes, with the players, supporters and major incidents up close and personal.

See Erling Haaland’s winner - and his second effort late on that was ruled out but perhaps should have been allowed to stand - plus everything else besides.

Watch our latest Pitcam via your CITY+ subscription by playing the video above.

CITY+

CITY+ is available via an annual subscription of £34.99 a year, saving you £24 on our monthly offering.

Choose monthly and pay £4.99 a month with the option to cancel anytime.

Official Cityzens and Season Ticket Members can subscribe annually for £30 a year, a saving of £29.