(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Tottenham fans all say same thing after what Joao Palhinha did vs Man City

Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Tottenham supporters will be delighted by their team's early-season performances under Thomas Frank.

Thomas Frank has Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus as new signings, and both have already shown their worth.

Indeed, Palhinha has built on his cameo against the Clarets, with fans purring over his performance in the 2-0 win over Man City.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank smiles
Thomas Frank has made a great start to life as Tottenham manager (Credit: Imago)

Joao Palhinha scores on full debut for Tottenham vs Man City

Palhinha put in a mixed performance against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final, but now he is accelerating his displays.

The Portuguese international came on as a late substitute against Burnley as Frank opted for Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

However, the Dane started the 30-year-old in the big one against City, and he has already made an impression.

  • Palhinha made 79 appearances for Fulham
  • Has a wealth of trophies to his name
  • Suffered a muscle tear at Bayern Munich that limited his appearances

In the closing minutes of the first half, the defensive-midfielder reacted well to guide a rebound into James Trafford's goal.

While he is not famed for his finishing, it will satisfy supporters to know he has that in his locker.

Furthermore, Palhinha has been imperious on the ball and has looked an assured figure in the hub of Frank's midfield.

Indeed, supporters have been reacting in their masses to the midfielder's impressive full debut, with all of them saying pretty much the same thing: Make the deal permanent.

Spurs should already be eyeing permanent Joao Palhinha deal

Tottenham signed Palhinha on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, but crucially, they hold an option to buy the midfielder.

Of course, it is only early days, but on current evidence, the Lilywhites would be wise to exercise that option when the campaign ends.

During his time with Fulham, the Portuguese international was imperious, demonstrating his Premier League class.

In North London, he has adapted to Frank's system well and already looks an upgrade on Yves Bissouma.

Yes, there is a wealth of games to play, but Palhinha is already looking like one of the signings of the summer.

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