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Manchester City fell to a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but things could have been different had Pep Guardiola made use of a different player on his bench.

Manchester City went into their first Premier League home game of the season in a positive mood after their 4-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, Tottenham – who also won convincingly on the opening day – had other ideas.

Spurs winger Brennan Johnson put the visitors ahead in the 35th minute before a James Trafford howler helped Joao Palhinha make it two on the stroke of half-time.

Centre-back Ruben Dias was one of City’s most criticised players on the day, along with right-back Rico Lewis.

And Pep Guardiola had an option on the bench he could have used in place of either player, though he chose not to in the end.

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Abdukodir Khusanov should have replaced either Ruben Dias or Rico Lewis

The player in question is Abdukodir Khusanov, who was an unused substitute against Spurs and only got eight minutes under his belt at Wolves.

While Dias is obviously a capable player, his pace has been letting him down, as was clear again on Saturday.

Khusanov has just as much ability on the ball as Dias, but he is also incredibly rapid, making him perfect for the high line.

A combination of a high line and slow centre-backs is a recipe for disaster, and Khusanov surely would be a good solution – if Pep actually played him.

Alternatively, the £34million man would have surely been a better fit at right-back than Lewis, who struggled throughout under heavy pressure on the ball.

The silver lining for Manchester City in wake of Tottenham loss

If one positive can be fleshed out of such a dire display, it’s that this defeat has taken place while the transfer window is still open.

City have a week to address the flaws in their squad, and there are quite a few.

Trafford may be a top talent but Saturday showed he still needs to improve and, at this level, he should do so away from the spotlight.

With that in mind, Gianluigi Donnarumma is available, and he’d be a ready-made addition to the City goalkeeping ranks.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s injury exposed City’s frailties on the left, so a reinforcement there would be a good shout.

And then we have City’s right-back position – if Khusanov is not considered for this, then Guardiola and Hugo Viana must look elsewhere.

Manchester City had a rough day at the office as they lost 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha.

Ahead of the contest, Pep Guardiola’s men were the favourites to come out on top after their impressive 4-0 win against Wolves.

However, Manchester City were far from their best against Tottenham, with Thomas Frank’s relentless press rendering them helpless for much of the game.

For Palhinha’s strike, James Trafford seemed to be caught in sixes and sevens as he mindlessly played a pass to Rico Lewis under pressure, which lead to a very soft goal.

Individual mistakes did not help the hosts’ case at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City fans slating Ruben Dias’ showing against Spurs as he lost the aerial duel in the build-up to Johnson’s goal.

Ruben Dias needs to be dropped after dismal showing during Man City vs Tottenham

While Ruben Dias has been a rock at the back for a majority of his time at Manchester City, it is high time Pep Guardiola drops him after the 28-year-old underwhelmed once again versus Tottenham.

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Defensively, the Portuguese international had his fair share of struggles, especially in the air — with Mohammed Kudus coming out on top twice against him; both for the opening goal and when his misplaced header put the Ghanaian through on goal.

Even last season, Dias, who Rodri dubbed “special” did not cover himself in glory when contesting aerial battles, famously misjudging a relatively simple header to gift Kylian Mbappe a goal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, on the ball as well, the Manchester City vice-captain disappointed against Tottenham.

The former Benfica colossus often resorted to going long and struggled to break the lines, with the defender especially having trouble progressing the ball with his weaker left foot.

The stats back up how much of a hard time the four-time Premier League winner had in possession.

Losing the ball six times, Dias, who recently extended his contract had a tough afternoon and questions need to be posed about whether youngsters like Abdukodir Khusanov or Josko Gvardiol should start instead of him.

Where Man City rank Ruben Dias among the Premier League’s best centre-backs

Dias still remains a top player and by no means should that no longer be the consensus after his shoddy display for Manchester City against Tottenham.

However, since last season, the decorated centre-back has had a tough time in the heart of City’s defence and for the collective’s sake, meritocracy must be rewarded.

Manchester City were brought right back down to earth after an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City’s good summer on the transfer front was followed by a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, which suggested things were on the right track.

However, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham had other plans as they raced into a 2-0 lead at the Etihad Stadium and never looked back.

Brennan Johnson put Spurs ahead in the 35th minute before a James Trafford howler helped Joao Palhinha make it two on the stroke of half-time.

Towards the end of the game, Tottenham fans were heard chanting a number of things which can best be described as ‘character-building’ as far as City are concerned.

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Tottenham fans mercilessly mock Manchester City

Towards the end of the game, BBC Sport reporter Shamoon Hafez noted how City fans were pouring out of the Etihad.

He then said the travelling fans were singing: “It’s happened again, it’s happened again, Manchester City, it’s happened again.”

Last season, Tottenham ran out 4-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium.

In addition, Spurs fans were chanting “ole, ole”, added BBC Sport, while Sky Sports noted on 92 minutes how ‘the ‘wheys’ have started from the away fans’.

What Manchester City must do to put things right

Admittedly, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s injury-enforced substitution played a big part in the loss.

Man City were looking stable before he went off, and they were then undone down that side for the opener.

One silver lining comes in the shape of the transfer window still being open, so City can put things right over the next week.

Another reinforcement at left-back is a must, while another right-back should also be on the cards.

In addition, Gianluigi Donnarumma is available and, after Trafford’s errors, the opportunity is there to sign him.

The left-wing position could also do with reinforcements, and Rodrygo would be just the man to improve that side.

Manchester City lost 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha meant Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a crushing defeat a week after their 4-0 victory against Wolves.

Individual mistakes hurt the hosts, with Ruben Dias losing his aerial duel to Mohammed Kudus in the lead-up to the first goal and James Trafford’s calamitous pass gifting Palhinha Spurs’ second strike.

Manchester City fans tore into Dias’ display against Tottenham, highlighting how poor he has been for ages now.

Man City fans slam Ruben Dias after loss vs Tottenham

One Manchester City fan reacted to Dias’ underwhelming showing against Tottenham by simply writing: “Dias was embarrassing today.”

A second City supporter urged Pep Guardiola to drop the Portuguese international, claiming: “If I say a word about Dias, they’ll [other fans] come for me but the truth is he’s the worst CB [centre-back] in the City squad. Hopefully, [Abdukodir] Khusanov will replace him in the second half.”

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A third fan claimed that Dias’ new contract at Manchester City was undeserved considering he has been a liability defensively and in possession for a long time, as was the case against Tottenham: “Four-year contract extension for someone who can’t build play, win long balls or defend reliably in a high-line post 2023.”

A fourth City supporter claimed that the Lisbon-born defender has been disappointing since he won the treble in 2023, writing: “Ruben Dias has been one of our worst players ever since the treble season but we’re not ready for this convo [conversation].”

A fifth fan believes that Dias, who Manchester City signed for £62.5m is as poor as it gets on the ball out of any centre-half who plays for a ‘Big Six’ club, stating: “Dias might be the least technically competent CB in the big six.”

Finally, a sixth Manchester City fan highlighted how error-prone Dias is in the air after his performance against Tottenham, writing: “Ruben Dias and aerial duels, the same old story, disappointment after disappointment.”

Despite the 28-year-old being a force of nature for years, it seems like several fans believe he is past his best.

Ruben Dias stats for Man City vs Tottenham

Dias would be disappointed about how Manchester City fans feel about him after his showing against Tottenham.

However, the stats show that they may be raising fair points.

Dias lost the ball six times, made one interception, two tackles and all in all, Spurs targeted him when he was on the ball and every time he would have to contest an aerial battle.

Unless the four-time Premier League winner steps up his game, Pep Guardiola will have no choice but to drop him.

Manchester United fans have taken to X to claim Manchester City will probably sign a joint target “tomorrow” after losing to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Citizens were left stunned as Tottenham raced into a two-goal lead by the break and held on for all three points at the Etihad Stadium.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Spurs in the 35th minute before Joao Palhinha added a second just before the break.

With just over a week left of the transfer window, clubs are still in time to make late signings in order to address lingering issues in the squad.

And Manchester United fans reckon Manchester City’s defeat could actually end up depriving the Red Devils of a top target this summer.

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Manchester City backed to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma ‘tomorrow’

James Trafford enjoyed a bright debut at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but was caught short against Spurs.

The City summer signing tried to pass the ball out from the back, but Richarlison pounced to set Palhinha up for Spurs’ second.

Man United fans feel Man City will now expedite their pursuit of Gianluigi Donnarumma, a player also on the Old Trafford side’s radar.

“City will have Donnarumma wrapped up tomorrow, James Trafford isn’t a title winning keeper,” one Man United fan wrote on X.

Another said: “Donnarumma to City ‘here we go’ should be in by at least 5:30 tomorrow or Monday morning max.”

The comments kept coming, with one fan saying: “Pep gonna buy Donnarumma tomorrow and send this Trafford guy back home.”

Another fan wrote: “Man City surely getting Donnarumma TOMORROW!”

Another supporter said: “That’s it. Man [City] are announcing Donnarumma tomorrow.”

The latest involving Manchester City and Gianluigi Donnarumma

According to GRV Media’s transfer chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, Man City are in active talks with PSG over Donnarumma.

“Gianluigi Donnarumma talks are taking place with City, they are looking seriously at this now,” Bailey exclusively told Manchester City News earlier this week.

After what happened at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, it would not be surprising to see City accelerate their talks over the Italy No. 1.

Manchester City’s upcoming contest against Tottenham Hotspur could be a true test of whether they are taking steps in the right direction off the back of a disappointing last season.

Pep Guardiola aims to win the Premier League this campaign and while a win against Spurs would not guarantee that being the case, it would suggest that City cannot be written off in the title race.

Regardless of the result, Guardiola would likely take stock of his squad after the clash and decide which players look best placed to help him win his seventh league title in England.

Ilkay Gundogan is considering a move to Germany and as things stand, his chance of leaving the Etihad Stadium are considered 50 per cent.

Manuel Akanji could play his last game for Man City vs Tottenham

Another player who could leave Manchester City before the summer transfer window slams shut is Manuel Akanji.

Galatasaray have agreed to sign Akanji with City but the player is yet to decide whether he is ready to sign for the Turkish club.

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Akanji is contemplating his future and as a result, he could play his final game in a Manchester City shirt against Tottenham.

Considering Manchester City kept a clean sheet against Wolves, perhaps Pep Guardiola sticks with John Stones and Ruben Dias as his centre-back pair but the Swiss defender could come off the bench if the hosts are winning comfortably or trying to preserve a slender lead.

Akanji, described as “outstanding” by Clinton Morrison would deserve a send off for being a key component to City’s side for three full seasons — especially when he helped the Sky Blues win the treble.

Considering Manchester City’s trip to Brighton is a day before deadline day, if the 30-year-old is indeed set to join Galatasaray, his final run out could very well be against Tottenham.

Pep Guardiola has hinted he wants Manuel Akanji to leave

Victor Osimhen has called Akanji to convince him to join Galatasaray and only time will tell whether he says yes to the move and is also given the chance to don the Manchester City shirt against Tottenham.

However, it was telling that Pep Guardiola brought the young Abdukodir Khusanov on to replace John Stones against Wolves instead of Akanji — which could suggest he is on board with his potential departure.

After scoring on his Premier League debut against Wolves, Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki will be desperate to start against Tottenham Hotspur.

Last Saturday, Pep Guardiola brought the Frenchman off the bench as an impact substitute, which suggests that he would like to gradually bed him into English football.

However, showmen like Rayan Cherki play their best football in the biggest games and starting him from the off against Tottenham seems like a no-brainer for Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola praised Cherki’s mentality to adapt his game to Premier League football and despite just being 22, the youngster seems to be ready to etch his status as one of the best players in the world.

When the Frenchman signed for Manchester City, Cherki revealed his favourite position is attacking midfield and in most games, he is likely to be deployed behind the striker.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola should play Rayan Cherki as an inside forward vs Tottenham

However, against Tottenham, not only should Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola start Rayan Cherki but also task him to play as an inside forward into his usual number 10 role for several reasons.

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The Catalan tactician might fear the prospect of losing the midfield battle to Spurs by playing a maverick like the former Lyon technician in the hole; prioritising a trio of Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders in the middle of the park instead — as was the case against Wolves.

However, by benching Jeremy Doku, Pep Guardiola could deploy Cherki as a left-sided inside forward where he would be stationed closer to goal while being able to dovetail with Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is comfortable at hugging the touchline.

Guardiola pinpointed Cherki’s “extraordinary” vision and considering Thomas Frank could set up with a five-man-defence like he recently did against Paris Saint-Germain, the French international would be best placed to unlock Tottenham’s potentially rigid defensive shape.

The highly-rated attacker is not only an excellent creator but against Al-Ain at the FIFA Club World Cup, the technician displayed his knack for combining with Ait-Nouri in tight pockets of space while being able to dribble out wide and in central areas.

Lyon’s academy director highlighted Cherki’s two-footedness by admitting he still remains unsure about which foot he considers stronger, which would make him a tricky customer for either Pedro Porro or Djed Spence to tame as a wide playmaker.

The statistics show that Manchester City’s brand-new number 10 thrives as a right-winger in particular but the dynamics on the left could suit him more, considering Ait-Nouri is a natural attacking full-back unlike both Matheus Nunes or Rico Lewis.

Rayan Cherki is on the verge of equalling a rare record vs Tottenham

A maverick like Cherki could be Manchester City’s much-needed X-factor against Tottenham and he should be given the chance to start, settle into proceedings and wreak havoc. Furthermore, the City new-boy could set a feat against the Lilywhites.

Cherki could match Emmanuel Adebayor’s record in 2009 by becoming the second Manchester City player to score in both of his opening Premier League games if he gets on the scoresheet against Tottenham.

Considering it would only be the second game of the Sky Blues’ season, Pep Guardiola would only gain more of an understanding about the player by conducting the bold tactical experiment of changing his position.

Manchester City play their first home game of the 2025/2026 Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur.

With Rodri and Phil Foden being fit to face Spurs, City look best-placed to win back-to-back games to kickstart their league season in style after their 4-0 victory against Wolves.

However, Tottenham have proven to be a thorn in Pep Guardiola’s side and despite their eventual 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, they ran riot by winning 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium last season.

Thomas Frank has got off to a flyer as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement as well, masterminding a comfortable 3-0 victory against Burnley.

Previewing the much-awaited affair between Manchester City and Spurs, TBR Football’s Tottenham correspondent Jamie Brown broke down where the game could be won and lost.

Tijjani Reijnders is Man City’s danger-man vs Tottenham

Brown told Manchester City News that Tijjani Reijnders could be the Sky Blues’ biggest threat against Tottenham on Saturday.

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Reijnders has already impressed Pep Guardiola after his heroics against Wolves as his emphatic start to life in England could be one of the very best a player has made since the league’s inception in 1992.

Brown raved about the Dutchman, singling him out as the perfect heir to Ilkay Gundogan: “I’m buying into the hype around Tijjani Reijnders. I was very impressed by him during the FIFA Club World Cup and he caused so many issues against Wolves.”

“At around £48 million, that looks to be a steal for a player who looks so well rounded as a midfielder and the perfect fit to replace Ilkay Gundogan.”

Erling Haaland and Cristian Romero’s battle is one to watch

TBR Football’s journalist also anticipates Thomas Frank to employ a five-man defensive shape at the Etihad Stadium, as he recently put to the test against Paris Saint Germain during the UEFA Super Cup.

However, regardless of the system in place, Brown expects the potential fierce battle between Erling Haaland and Cristian Romero’s to be one to keep an eye out for during the clash between the two sides.

“I anticipate Thomas Frank to revert back to a back three just like he did against PSG. Personally, I thought Spurs looked defensively sound against PSG, but against a fully firing Manchester City side, this could be a very different test. Our back three of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso is probably a lot better than what most outside of Spurs give us credit for.”

“I’m particularly looking forward to watching Romero against Erling Haaland. But there’s no doubting that players like Rayan Cherki, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush can still cause us real problems.”

Man City could cause Pedro Porro a whole host of problems

While Brown believes Tottenham’s back three of Romero, Van de Ven and Danso can sometimes be a tad underappreciated by the masses, he claimed that Pedro Porro can be a weak link at the back; a chink in Spurs’ armour that Manchester City could take advantage of.

Rodri, who is set to be named in the matchday squad for the contest knows Porro’s game better than most, as he has played once alongside his countryman for Spain while being in the same squad eight times.

“I think whoever is up against Pedro Porro on City’s left side is likely to have the most joy, defensively he can be suspect.”

“I feel like Doku isn’t particularly popular among City fans, but his ability to run at defenders could be very useful against the Spaniard.”

“I will say though on the other side, Djed Spence has been excellent as a defensive wing-back and Bobb or Cherki could face a tough afternoon up against the 25-year-old.”

Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison should worry Pep Guardiola

Mohammed Kudus could worry Pep Guardiola but Brown believes that aside from the Ghanaian, Richarlison could also trouble this Manchester City side.

The Brazilian international scored a stunning brace against the Clarets, with Kudus supplying him with a pair of pinpoint assists last weekend — with Spurs’ new duo being the Premier League’s deadliest pair so far.

Brown claimed: “Following last week’s win over Burnley, it’s the obvious choice of Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus. The pair are quickly forming a strong partnership in attack.”

“Kudus has been a bit of a revelation so far, his pace and skill on the wing has been a real breath of fresh air over pre-season.”

“His performance up against Nuno Mendes and PSG highlighted what a dynamic player he can be and his battle with Rayan Ait-Nouri should be interesting.”

The Tottenham writer added: “Meanwhile, Richarlison has always been a talented player, but struggled for consistency. I think his ability to hold up the ball and press is going to be crucial for Spurs in a game like this.

Manchester City could face an annoying tactic when they play Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s men got their Premier League campaign off to the perfect start last weekend as they opened up their season with a 4-0 win away at Wolves, as Tijjani Reijnders stole the show at Molineux.

Man City’s home fans will be excited to see their new midfield in action for the first time at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, and they will need the 27-year-old to be at his best if they are to overcome Spurs, who have been Guardiola’s bogey team throughout his time in Manchester.

Chris Sutton has predicted the result of Man City vs Tottenham, and while doing so, the BBC pundit has a feeling Spurs could do something that will frustrate the Manchester club.

Thomas Frank could use a back three against Man City

Man City and Tottenham have been in the same conversations recently as Spurs continue to push for Savinho, a situation that may be resolved after the two Premier League clubs meet this weekend, with Daniel Levy planning to discuss the transfer with City’s hierarchy on Saturday.

The North London club’s season also got off to a positive start on the opening weekend, as Frank began his reign with a 3-0 win over Burnley. The Danish coach used a back four on the day, but Sutton suspects that he may approach the Man City contest differently.

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“Manchester City really impressed me last week, and everyone is rightly talking about Tijjani Reijnders. Statman Dave told me to get him into my fantasy team, but I didn’t take that advice, and I should’ve done. He was brilliant against Wolves,” Sutton told the BBC.

“I do think Tottenham will be a level above under Thomas Frank. It’ll be interesting how they set up. They played a back three in the Super Cup final against Paris St-Germain.

“Tottenham are still a few players short from properly challenging the really big teams, and in this game I think City at home will be too strong for them.”

Sutton predicted Man City to beat Wolves 2-1 last weekend, and the pundit has gone with the same scoreline for Saturday’s clash.

However, he makes a good point about the back three, as that was a set-up that really frustrated PSG during the UEFA Super Cup, a team many consider the best in the world.

Thomas Frank’s record against Manchester City

If Tottenham arrive at the Etihad Stadium with five spread across the back in their defensive shape, that will show just how much Man City have improved from last season, as Guardiola’s men struggled to break down teams in a low block throughout the 24/25 campaign.

Frank has often made life hard for City during his time at Brentford, and the Danish coach has an okay record against the Manchester club, considering the level both clubs are at.

The 51-year-old has played Guardiola’s team on eight occasions, winning two, drawing one, and losing the remaining five.

Frank’s teams have scored seven goals against Man City, while conceding 12, with the new Tottenham boss hoping to improve on this record this weekend.

Gary Lineker has predicted how Manchester City will fare against Tottenham Hotspur when the two sides clash in the Premier League this Saturday.

Manchester City will hope to secure their second Premier League victory in a row after running out 4-0 winners over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the first matchday.

However, they’ll be up against a Tottenham side that have also started the season brightly, hammering Burnley 3-0 in North London last weekend.

Gary Lineker predicts high-scoring affair between Manchester City and Tottenham

As a former Tottenham player, Gary Lineker retains a soft spot for the club he represented between 1989 and 1992.

With that in mind, he admitted that he would love to see Spurs win, even though he acknowledged it would be “unlikely”.

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In the end, Lineker opted for a high-scoring draw – a 2-2 draw, to be precise.

“Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur, this is a bit heart and head isn’t it,” Lineker told Premier League Productions.

“I’d love to see Tottenham get three points there but I think it’s unlikely.

“But I can’t let my head take over completely, so I’m going to go 2-2.”

Meanwhile, Theo Walcott backed Man City to win 3-0 against Tottenham.

Manchester City vs Tottenham team news

Pep Guardiola confirmed ahead of the game that Phil Foden, Rodri and Ederson will be available to face Spurs.

However, the Man City manager said Croatian duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic will remain on the sidelines along with Savinho.

Ederson, Foden, Rodri, Gvardiol and Savinho all missed the Wolves game.

Kovacic is a long-term absentee as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury that is expected to keep him out until at least September.