Thomas Frank confirmed his reputation as a visionary strategist with Tottenham's stunning 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad; Sky Sports' Laura Hunter assesses the role his dynamic approach has played in the team's successful start to the new season.
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Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Recap
Spurs repeated their success at the Etihad for the first time in two seasons, claiming a comfortable 2-0 win that ended City's 10-game unbeaten run in the league.
Only the second club was able to beat Guardiola's team twice in a row on their home field, and they won with surprising ease.
City fans left the stadium on Saturday in disbelief after watching a performance that was a far cry from the triumph over Wolves a week earlier.
Creative combinations and clear attacking schemes were replaced by chaotic passing and a lack of ideas. Although City looked lacklustre, part of the blame for their failure lay with the organisation and intensity of Tottenham's tactics.
From the first seconds when James Trafford received the ball, it was clear that Frank's players were tasked with pressing the opponent's holding area. Already in the 9th minute, Richarlison almost intercepted the pass. Constant pressure disrupted City's formations, which ultimately led to Palinho's mistake and the second goal. There was no response from the hosts.
Pictured: James Trafford lost the ball, leading to the opponent's goal.
The visitors deliberately conceded positional possession but used counter-attacks effectively, creating more chances. Of the two clear chances, both ended in goals, while City failed to convert similar opportunities.
- Manchester City 0-2 Tottenham – Results and Ratings
Frank's team displayed a coherent performance, as if they had been playing together for decades. Their actions looked organic and thoughtful.
Cristian Romero kept Erling Haaland tightly in check. Palhinha, who won more duels than any player in the match, and Rodrigo Bentancur dominated the centre against Reynders and González. Mohamed Kudus was more decisive in attack.
“I think we played better than the score showed,” Guardiola commented delicately. However, his version of events is at odds with the opinion of most observers.
Saturday's success was not only proof of the effectiveness of Frank's methods, but also a demonstration of his managerial skills.
In photo: Manchester City looked pale in the match against Tottenham
Having also won at Brentford in November 2022, Frank became one of only three managers to have beaten Guardiola twice away from home against different teams. “I believe in the aggressive pressing that you saw today and earlier at Brentford,” he explained.
“It's important to be ahead of your opponent's thoughts. I like to attack while defending – it's more exciting than sitting at your goal. Let's try to continue in the same spirit.”
Spurs have had a paradoxical start to the season, having endured their worst home season in half a century but also won their first trophy since 2008. Frank is determined to erase the club's controversial image.
Pictured: Thomas Frank oversaw Tottenham's 2-0 win over City.
“We worked hard on our defensive principles. The key was the right attitude – that's what helped us win,” the coach noted after the final whistle.
Tottenham have long been criticised for their lack of conviction in big games, with the nickname 'Spurs' arising from a characteristic weakness they showed three weeks ago against PSG, where they let a 2-0 lead slip.
However, the team is now showing maturity, confirming its progress with a 3-0 rout of Burnley with Frank involved.
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Premier League Match Analysis: Tottenham vs Burnley
Even the failure to sign a missing player (such as the collapse of negotiations with Eberechi Eze) did not disrupt the team's focus. Spurs showed creativity, scoring five goals in two clean sheets.
Six points and a goal difference of +5 is the club's best start to the league in recent years. It's too early to draw conclusions, but the team's identity and character have changed. The question remains: can they maintain this level?
Sourse: skysports.com
