Tottenham Hotspur continued their promising start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City – and the Etihad Stadium faithful have implored Pep Guardiola to use the remainder of the summer transfer window to replace one player in particular as a means of strengthening his side.
Spurs winger Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 35th minute after popping up at the back stick. James Trafford’s high-profile clanger then allowed the visitors to extend their lead on the stroke of half-time with Joao Palhinha firing home.
So far this summer, the eight-time Premier League winners have welcomed the likes of Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri – but their fanbase are still adamant there is plenty of work to be done after their first loss of the current campaign.
Man City Fans Implore Guardiola to Replace ‘Dreadful’ Ace
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Of course, Trafford – who played ahead of Ederson against Spurs – will be under immense pressure after his error-strewn performance, but there were very few City players who covered themselves in glory in the opening match of the weekend.
That includes Rico Lewis, who was chosen to be Guardiola’s starting right-back against Frank’s much-improved men; the young England international started alongside a central defensive partnership of John Stones and Ruben Dias with Ait-Nouri on the left.
Although he is a favourite of Guardiola’s, it’s quite clear that he’s not at the physical level of a Premier League defender – especially as the division’s collection of powerful forwards continues to go through the roof. His slight frame puts him at a disadvantage.
Rico Lewis Stats vs Spurs
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Tino Livramento of Newcastle United would be a wise pick to replace his fellow countryman. Reportedly priced at £70 million by the Magpies, he’s able to play on either side of the defence, he’s defensively resolute and would certainly be an upgrade.
Lewis, who recently signed a new five-year deal for the Etihad Stadium outfit, was on Nottingham Forest’s shopping list prior to putting pen to paper on fresh terms – and there are some fans, taking to X (formerly Twitter), who believe he is not of the level that Guardiola should expect from his players week-in, week-out.
“Rico Lewis is so average. Doesn’t look anywhere near the level of this city team.”
“I can’t quite believe that Rico Lewis is a Man City player, he’s dreadful,” another added as a third supporter wrote: “Rico Lewis is getting targeted from the first minute. And I don't blame Tottenham based on his physicality.”
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Manchester City fans are also onboard about signing a new right-back to replace the academy graduate. “Rico Lewis. Great at going forward, not the best when it comes to defending,” they wrote before claiming: “This is why we need a RB.”
“Man City still need to buy one more natural fullback, should be a RB who’s capable of playing LB. Livramento would be the perfect signing for them,” another added as a final fan advocated for the summer addition of Newcastle’s Livramento. They wrote: “Man City need a proper right back. How have they not signed one?”