Pep Guardiola hangs his head in shame after what happened vs Tottenham
Pep Guardiola had a nightmare afternoon watching his Manchester City lose 2-0 to Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides won their opening games of the Premier League season, with the Citizens hammering Wolves and Spurs beating newly-promoted Burnley.
It was a highly anticipated contest, especially considering Tottenham’s recent record against Guardiola’s side.
Thomas Frank went with a back four, rather than his usual back five, in a brave move that surprised Spurs supporters.
The former Barcelona boss was left furious, though.
Pep Guardiola visibly reacts as Tottenham double their lead
Tottenham had taken the lead through a Brennan Johnson goal after the Europa League hero’s strike was eventually ruled onside, with the help of VAR.
Guardiola was visibly livid as his side conceded the second goal, with Joao Palhinha slotting home after an awkward James Trafford pass, just 12 minutes after the opener.
BBC journalist Shamoon Hafez, reporting live from the Etihad Stadium, said: “Pep Guardiola heads back to the dugout and hangs his head – it’s a shocker from his side’s perspective.
“What was James Trafford thinking, giving a short pass there? City have it all to do now.”
- Read More: Richrlison has been called out after what he did against Manchester City – ‘so frustrating’
Thomas Frank outclasses Pep Guardiola in Tottenham win
Guardiola’s reaction was justified; it was a very poor decision from Trafford, but it was a symptom of the ruthless press that Frank employed.
Spurs suffocated City and were very brave with their press, restricting City’s ability to play their usual style of football.
Guardiola’s side usually builds up from the back, but the way that the Lilywhites pressed did not allow them to, and that allowed them to hold on for the victory.
Richarlison in particular caused problems; he was everywhere, constantly harassing the defenders, and it was the Brazilian who cut out Trafford’s pass for Palhinha’s goal.
- Richarlison scored twice in the opening day win over Burnley
- The Brazil star looks set for an increased role under Frank
- May have gotten over the injury issues that have blighted his time at Spurs
Frank’s reign has been very encouraging so far, and the hope is that he can expand on Ange Postecoglou’s success last season, after replacing the Australian.
If he continues the way that he has, especially against the bigger teams, there is every chance that he can do so and surprise many observers in the process.
Guardiola will be furious after the result, but he may change his tune if the Lilywhites go on to have a season for the ages, which is a genuine possibility at the moment.
Sign up for the daily Tottenham News newsletter on Substack and our new WhatsApp channel to have all the latest, breaking Tottenham Hotspur news sent straight to your phone.