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Tottenham player ratings vs Man City: Joao Palhinha a monster as Mohammed Kudus proves crucial

Another huge win at the Etihad Stadium sends Spurs top of the league

Monster: Joao Palhinha

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Matt Verri

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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Tottenham moved to the top of the Premier League table for at least a few hours with a brilliant 2-0 win over Manchester City.

Thomas Frank enjoyed the best day of his reign so far, as Brennan Johnson’s opener was awarded after a VAR review and Joao Palhinha then hammered in after City made a complete mess of playing out in their own box.

Spurs held a 2-0 lead in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain and let it slip, but there was no repeat here and they secured the three points in relatively comfortable fashion.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at the Etihad...

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Great save to keep Omar Marmoush’s effort out in first half. Sloppy pass nearly gifted City a goal after the break but otherwise a solid display in goal.

Pedro Porro 7

Poor header back allowed Marmoush in early on. Went to ground too easily when beaten by Jeremy Doku and could have given away a penalty. Little opportunity to get forward and booked for time-wasting.

Cristian Romero 8

Regularly left one-on-one with Haaland and won that battle. Largely disciplined display, but allowed himself one crunching challenge on Nico Gonzalez. Harshly booked for flying in on Oscar Bobb.

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Micky van de Ven 8

Unusual role in that he was tasked with pressing right up the pitch. Just eats up the ground and didn’t put a foot wrong in defence. Sensational block to deny Foden.

Djed Spence 8

Feels like a banker of a solid performance every week. Some tough moments early against Bobb but otherwise in control, and a couple of dangerous drives forward.

Joao Palhinha 9

Absolute monster in midfield. Constantly broke up play, relentless energy and lashed home for his first Spurs goal. Celebrated a second-half block with more enthusiasm than that finish.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

Forming a superb partnership with Palhinha. Nothing flashy but composed on the ball and ran tirelessly off it.

Mohammed Kudus 8

Gave City nightmares from long balls, with his pace and strength a constant threat. Feels almost impossible to get the ball off him and that’s so crucial in matches like this.

Pape Matar Sarr 8

Great flick on for opening goal and his pressing brought about the second. Continues to do a superb job in making up for Spurs’ lack of No10.

Brennan Johnson 7

Ruthless when it mattered to sweep home the opening goal. Otherwise not hugely effective, whether it be down to a heavy touch or poor decision-making.

Richarlison 8

A nuisance in the best possible way - No9 shirt is his. Worked so hard to force the City mistakes. Great ball for Johnson’s goal and unfortunate as two looping second-half headers just missed.

Substitutes:

Dominic Solanke (Richarlison 77’) 6

Faces a real battle to get back in the starting lineup. Job was limited to running hard and tracking back after coming on. Forced Trafford into a late save.

Wilson Odobert (Johnson 77’) 7

Eye-catching cameo, with one impressive driving run shortly after coming on. Fired just wide when picked out on the edge of the box.

Lucas Bergvall (Kudus 86’) N/A

Kevin Danso (Palhinha 90+1) N/A

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Thomas Frank has opted against a back three as Tottenham take on Manchester City today.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the two centre-backs, with Pedro Porro and Djed Spence either side.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha both started on the bench against Burnley last weekend but feature here, with their experience and ball-winning capabilities much-needed against this City side.

With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out injured, and Spurs missing out on the signing of Eberechi Eze, it falls on Pape Matar Sarr to provide the energy as the most advanced midfielder.

Up front, Dominic Solanke has now had two cameos off the bench as he builds towards full fitness, but Richarlison has been in superb form and scored a brace against Burnley, so keeps his place, with Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson either side.

Not exactly a bouncing atmosphere ahead of kick-off. City announcer is reading out the lineups and the noise is sort of like when a few people decide to clap after a plane lands.

Can never read too much into the warm-ups... but Romero and Van de Ven have spent the last five minutes pinging 60 yard passes to each other. Would be surprised if we saw Spurs playing out from the back too much this afternoon.

Instead, Frank has gone for a back four. Is that a brave decision? Who knows. What we do know, however, is that he does have his first-choice centre-back pairing available to him, and that will be crucial to keeping Haaland quiet. In a sense, they have the perfect duo to give it a go, with Cristian Romero the aggressive marker who can get tight to the striker in the physical battle, while Van de Ven has the recovery pace to match the Norwegian stride for stride.

It’s Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri again at full- back, so expect the former to drift infield and invert as he so often does. Ait-Nouri will be instructed to hold the width a bit more, with Omar Marmoush on the left looking to cut inside and create shooting opportunities and get closer to the box.

In the engine room, Nico and Tijjani Reijnders continue as the double pivot, but it’s Rayan Cherki who comes in as the No10, and he will be given licence to roam behind Erling Haaland, looking to send the big Norwegian clear on goal with his pace in behind.

We thought Frank might go for the 3-5-2 system that worked so well against PSG but he's opted for a back four and it means Johnson keeps his place on the left wing. Richarlison leads the line in another show of faith from Frank - feels like it's his shirt to lose at the moment even with Solanke back and available.

Thomas Frank and Spurs both know how to beat Pep Guardiola & Co.

Game plan: Thomas Frank

REUTERS

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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It was hard not to feel some sympathy for Thomas Frank at his press conference yesterday.

The Spurs boss has been in the dugout for just two competitive matches and his side came out of both with credit. They were much the better side against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and then were comfortable in beating Burnley to start the Premier League campaign.

All of that, though, felt secondary as he sat down with the media ahead of the trip to face Manchester City.

After a week in which Spurs failed to wrap up a move for Eberechi Eze and instead saw Arsenal hijack the deal, Frank had a fairly uncomfortable, if not unexpected, half hour.

He was asked if he had been let down by the club in the transfer window so far, and whether he felt his squad had actually got any stronger this summer. It was also put to him that Daniel Levy's comments declaring Spurs "need" to win the Premier League were perhaps unhelpful.

These were all on topics beyond Frank's control and yet he is tasked with overseeing a performance that can lift the mood and, temporarily at least, dim the talk on transfer failures.

There is every reason to believe the Spurs boss can do so. That display against PSG earlier this month, when Spurs led 2-0 after 85 minutes, will serve as something as a blueprint for how Frank will set his side up in the biggest games.

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He hinted he could go back to that 3-5-2 shape for the Etihad, which would see Kevin Danso return and with it the threat of his long throws. Regardless of the formation, Spurs will be well-drilled in their shape, look to exploit their opportunities on the counter, and maximise set-pieces.

However, Frank was keen to emphasise that the game plan against City, consisting of three key areas of focus for his players, will not be a replica of the one he prepared for PSG.

"I believe in simple messages and have maybe three key areas and try to create a narrative about each game," Frank said.

"And they cannot be too big because there are probably two or three key areas that will win us the game or hopefully maximise our chances of winning. But there are a lot of other areas that will affect it."

Pressed on what those three areas were, Frank added: "They change. Three key areas for PSG. Three other key areas for Burnley. And the key areas for tomorrow I will not tell you. I will keep it to myself.

"Burnley we were big on crosses for example and numbers in the box. You can probably analyse it if you look through our games. Obviously, set pieces against PSG was a big thing."

Tottenham ran out 4-0 winners at the Etihad last season

REUTERS

These are the kind of games where Frank thrives and his adaptability should ensure Spurs are competitive against the toughest opposition. As Brentford boss, Frank did the double over City in the 2022-23 season. His two most recent trips to the Etihad have ended in defeats by just a single goal.

Spurs have enjoyed their recent trips to the Etihad, winning 4-0 last season in one of the best results of the Ange Postecoglou era and drawing 3-3 the year before.

The early signs are that City will be back to something close to their best this season after last term's struggles, but Frank has had a full week to devise a plan for Pep Guardiola's side.

For all City present a hugely difficult test, these could be the games that come more naturally to Spurs this season. With little in the way of creative options in midfield, Frank can pack the midfield with the likes of Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr and make Spurs hard to beat.

Up front, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus have shone in the early weeks of the campaign. Should they start as the attacking pair, they must again hold the ball up well to ensure Spurs do not get penned in.

It is still early in Frank's reign and his tactical versatility means there are likely to be surprises as Spurs’ plan is revealed at the Etihad.

"I will be pragmatic," the Spurs boss said yesterday. "I will use different systems and different ways to win football matches."

After a week to forget in the transfer market, Spurs need Frank to find any way to do just that.

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Alex Young @ alexwsyoung

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The summer window has been handed two huge twists as it enters its final stretch. Arsenal re-entered the transfer market after Kai Havertz picked up a knee injury, the severity of which remains unknown, and quickly moved to hijack Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze. Spurs had agreed a deal with Crystal Palace and a contract with the player, but the Gunners swooped in at the 11th hour and turned the player’s head. A medical is expected on Friday. Where do Spurs go now? They still like Savinho and have been linked with Morgan Rogers.

In another twist, Liverpool could finally be edging towards signing Alexander Isak with Newcastle set to bid again for Yoane Wissa. Marc Guehi also remains a target for the Premier League champions, but both deals look difficult to complete. Another forward on the move could be Nicolas Jackson, who Newcastle and Aston Villa admire.

Chelsea could use funds from a potential sale of Jackson to finally wrap up deals for Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons, while Christopher Nkunku continues to discuss a move back to RB Leipzig. Manchester United want a new midfielder, and have turned attentions to Eduardo Camavinga and Lucien Agoume. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Latest transfer news headlines

Southgate puzzled by Poland links

Former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate says he is not actively looking at a return to management and was puzzled to see himself linked with the Poland job over the summer.

It is 13 months since the former defender called time on his successful eight-year stint as national team boss in the wake of their Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain in Berlin.

Asked whether he is looking at returning to management or if the future lies in something else, Southgate said: "You can't say never to anything because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and I wasn't certain I would manage then.

"Then I ended up on a strange path into managing the national team. But it's not something I'm actively looking at at the moment."

Southgate's sojourn meant eyebrows were raised when speculation emanated from Poland in June that his return to management could be with their national team.

"I am kind of used to it," he said of the rumours about him. "I mean, I was linked with the Poland job, which I knew nothing about, so that was a strange one.

"Something gets written and then it's reported everywhere, but yeah, there's probably a lot of others, but I kind of accept it now for what it is."

Gareth Southgate famously donned a waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup (Owen Humphreys/PA)

PA Wire

Hojlund nears United exit

AC Milan are aiming to finalise the Rasmus Hojlund deal this week, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 22-year-old Danish striker is considered surplus to requirements at Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim left him out of United’s squad for their Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Serie A club is expected to propose a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £35 million, though the purchase clause would only be triggered if certain performance targets are met this season.

Rasmus Hojlund

Getty Images

Arsenal explore Kai Havertz replacement

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is set to spend some time on the sidelines with a knee injury, according to David Ornstein.

The 26-year-old was absent from an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday morning.

The exact extent of his injury remains unclear, leaving the length of his absence uncertain.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are actively exploring the transfer market to bolster their attack and provide cover for Victor Gyokeres.

Kai Havertz

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Nottingham Forest reach Douglas Luiz agreement

Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement with Juventus for 27-year-old Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian midfielder will return to England in a €30m deal.

The medical could take place tomorrow, if all goes according to plan

Luiz was eager to make the move back just a year after his £50m transfer to Turin.

His time in Italy proved difficult, as he managed only three starts for the Serie A giants since leaving Aston Villa last summer.

Douglas Luiz

REUTERS

Chelsea confident of double deal

Chelsea remain confident they can sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, rather than one or the other, writes Dom Smith.

The Blues’ recruitment team have been in direct talks to sign both players for a number of weeks now, and confidence remains high that both deals can eventually be done.

Standard Sport understands Chelsea wish to sign both players this summer and are working on securing player sales, which would accelerate the arrival of RB Leipzig’s Simons and Manchester United’s Garnacho. Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are two players who will leave if suitable exits can be resolved.

FULL STORY HERE!

GettyImages

Medical booked

Here is footage of Claudio Echeverri arriving in Germany last night ahead of completing a season-long loan move to Bayer Leverkusen from Manchester City.

The talented teenager is expected to undergo a medical today...

Why has Alexander Isak not handed in a transfer request?

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has, informally, requested a transfer. However, formally requesting a transfer has some knock-on effects, writes Sam Tabuteau.

It can come in the form of a legal document and would outline a desire to breach the terms of their employment.

In some cases, it means forfeiting significant contractual perks, like signing-on fees and loyalty bonuses.

More on that here!

AFP via Getty Images

Eze involved in Crystal Palace training

Eberechi Eze trained with Crystal Palace on Wednesday as Tottenham attempt to wrap up a deal for the 27-year-old England midfielder, writes Sam Tabuteau.

With Spurs set for a fresh round of talks with Palace, Eze trained with the Palace squad ahead of their Conference League play-off first leg against Fredrikstad.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner is due to confirm whether or not Eze will be involved against Fredrikstad when he holds his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Arsenal have cooled their interest in Eze, paving the way for Spurs to seal a move for their primary transfer target before the end of the window.

FULL STORY!

The FA via Getty Images

Palace agreement

More Crystal Palace news and a significant one at that.

Sky Sports claim the Eagles are closing in on a £32million deal with Leicester for Bilal El Khannouss.

It is understood there is broad agreement on terms, but Palace not yet fully committed to the transfer, as they retain interest in Tyler Dibling.

Getty Images

New potential Eze replacement target emerges

Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing up Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling as a potential replacement for Eberechi Eze.

According to talkSPORT, Palace are prepared to enter the race for the teenager who has been subject to interest from several Premier League clubs this summer.

Everton have already seen a bid rejected.

Getty Images

Tottenham target THREE new signings as they push to wrap up Eze deal

The defender is among the best in the world in his position

Leader: Cristian Romero

AFP via Getty Images

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Thomas Frank did not have to wait long to get one of his big wishes as Tottenham head coach.

On Friday he expressed his desire for Cristian Romero to extend his stay at the club. Three days later, the centre-back put pen to paper on a new four-year deal.

It comes a week on from Romero being named as Spurs' new club captain to replace Heung-min Son, and ends any speculation over his future.

For all the talk of what transfer business Spurs might do in the final weeks of the window, agreeing a new deal with Romero is as major a statement as any signing they will make.

Cristian Romero guided Tottenham to glory last season

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Just a few months ago, the smart money appeared to be on a summer departure. Atletico Madrid were interested in Romero, who had only two years left on his previous contract and did little to inspire confidence that he saw his long-term future in north London.

"LaLiga is the one [league] left to play in. I would love to, to tell you the truth," Romero said in an interview in April. "I would love to play there because it's the league I'm missing."

Having rarely conducted interviews in English in his four years at Spurs, he has now done so twice in a matter of days. There have been accusations that Romero appeared at his most committed when representing Argentina, but the past week has put him front and centre of a new era at Spurs.

"I'm very happy here in the club," Romero said after the contract news was made official. "For me, this club is the best in the world.

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"My message to the fans is thank you for your amazing support every day and every match. For me, and it's important also for the team."

Romero has the strongest case of any Spurs player to being one of the best players in the world in his position.

The responsibility of being vice-captain under Ange Postecoglou brought more consistency and less of the rash, volatile displays that there were too many of earlier in his career.

While those traits can still rear their head, usually in the form of a charge out of defence and a crunching challenge, Romero has a history of rising to the occasion and more of that can be expected as captain.

He has won three major trophies with Argentina. Wearing the captain's armband in May, Romero was named player of the match as he led Spurs to victory in the Europa League final.

Cristian Romero is among the best defenders in the world

Adam Davy/PA Wire

The UEFA Super Cup last week was a rare final defeat, but Romero was still a rock in defence and scored his side's second goal.

That mentality of delivering on the biggest stage is a crucial trait and one this young Spurs squad did not have much of before winning the Europa League.

With Romero here to stay, the chances of a repeat of that night in Bilbao have certainly gone up.

"I love football, I love this club," Romero said.

"After winning the Europa League, it's like a special season now. In football, sometimes there are good moments, bad moments. The most important thing for me is to stay all together.

"We want to win. Maybe, why not again this season? Another trophy with the club is important for everyone."

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Cristian Romero hopes to win more silverware with Tottenham after he agreed a new contract.

Despite having two years remaining on his previous contract, the Argentine signed a fresh four-year deal on Monday. It compounds a positive week for the player, who was named club captain last week.

Romero made seven appearances in Tottenham’s Europa League-winning campaign last season, donning the captain’s armband in the final, and feels there is no reason Spurs won’t be able to replicate the feat.

“After winning the Europa League, it is like a special season now,” he explained.

“We want to win. Why not win again this season?

He continued, saying he was honoured to have been named captain. Accompanied by his young son, he led Spurs out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday as they opened their Premier League campaign with a routine 3-0 win over Burnley.

“The last two weeks, first captain, and now sign the contract with the club. For me it is a fantastic decision.

“First time as captain, it was incredible for me. Going to the pitch with my son [on Saturday], it was special for me.

“I love football, I love this club, it was special for me going on the pitch with him.

“My message to the fans is thank you for amazing support every day and at every match. It is important for the team.

“I am very happy here in the club. For me, this club is the best in the world. I love football, I love this club.”

Romero had been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer. He spurned their interest in order to extend his stay in north London, though, despite previously saying he was ‘open’ to the move.