Big Match Feature: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

The Etihad Stadium sets the stage for a high-stakes Premier League clash as defending champions Manchester City face Tottenham Hotspur.

Date: Saturday, 23 November 2024

Time: 7:30pm (CAT)

Live on: SuperSport PL

With Pep Guardiola recently extending his contract, the Citizens aim to end a torrid run of form that has left them five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. Meanwhile, Tottenham arrive with an attacking edge and a knack for troubling City at home.

CURRENT FORM AND STAKES

Manchester City are enduring their most challenging period under Guardiola, having lost four consecutive matches across all competitions – the longest losing streak in the Spaniard’s managerial career.

Two of those defeats came in the Premier League, and a third would mark their first three-game losing run in the competition since 2016. Despite this, City remain a prolific side, the only team to score in every league match this season.

Tottenham, on the other hand, are also navigating a rocky patch. With just one win in their last five Premier League away games and a league-high seven away defeats since March, they are struggling for consistency on the road. Yet, their attacking stats suggest danger—Spurs lead the league in off-the-ball runs into the box, shots inside the penalty area, and passes into dangerous areas.

WHAT THE STATS SAY

Head-to-Head: City have struggled against Spurs, winning only three of their last 10 Premier League meetings (D2 L5). However, they triumphed 4-2 in their last encounter, and another victory would see them win consecutive matches against Tottenham for the first time since 2019.

Goals Galore at the Etihad: Spurs have scored at least twice in their last three league visits to City, including a 3-3 draw last season. No team has ever achieved four consecutive games with multiple goals at the Etihad, making this a potential historic moment.

City’s Defensive Frailties: Guardiola’s side have conceded more goals (22) and suffered more losses (6) against Spurs than any other Premier League opponent since 2016-17.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester City

Bernardo Silva: The Portuguese playmaker is yet to score this season despite 17 shots—more than any other player without a goal in the league. His creativity will be crucial as City seek to unlock Tottenham’s defense.

Savinho: The young forward has the highest xG (1.7) of any player without a goal, and he’ll be eager to convert his chances against a vulnerable Spurs backline.

Tottenham Hotspur

Dejan Kulusevski: Spurs’ creative hub has been phenomenal, leading the league in both overall chances created (30) and chances from open play (25). His link-up with James Maddison and Pedro Porro will be central to Spurs’ attacking threat.

Dominic Solanke: While not scoring freely, Solanke’s 138 off-the-ball runs into the box—more than any other player—make him a constant menace for defenses.

TACTICAL FOCUS

Manchester City:

Guardiola’s teams are known for their possession-based dominance, but City’s defensive lapses have been costly. They’ll need to control Spurs’ dynamic transitions and capitalise on their own attacking firepower. Expect City to press high, with Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden orchestrating from midfield while Erling Haaland leads the line.

Tottenham Hotspur:

Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have emphasized aggressive, high-energy football, excelling in quick passing sequences and making dangerous box entries. Their ability to stretch defenses through Kulusevski, Maddison, and Porro will be critical. Defensively, they’ll need to be more compact to resist City’s intricate play.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Manchester City: A win is essential to stay within striking distance of Liverpool and prevent further dents to their title defense. Ending their losing streak would also restore confidence in Guardiola’s camp.

Tottenham: Spurs have a chance to make a statement by exploiting City’s vulnerability. A win would boost their away form and keep them in contention for European spots.

With City desperate to bounce back and Tottenham thriving on their ability to disrupt at the Etihad, this promises to be a high-scoring thriller. Guardiola’s tactical adjustments and home advantage may give City the edge, but Spurs’ creativity and directness could see them walk away with a point.