Tottenham Hotspur claimed a 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium to climb to the top of the Premier League table.
Spurs produced a remarkable performance against the FA Cup finalists.
Tottenham have not topped the league log since the early days of Ange Postecoglou, before that cursed game against Chelsea.
Spurs took the lead via Brennan Johnson on 35 against the run of play, but the 24-year-old took the chance well.
The North Londoners made it 2-0 just before the half-time break thanks to a mistake at the back.
In-form Tottenham forward Richarlison pounced on a mistake from City goalkeeper James Trafford and set up Joao Palhinha, who netted to seal a comfortable win on enemy territory.
Palhinha’s goal crowned a brilliant performance in the middle of the park for the 30-year-old defensive midfielder.
Spurs’ engine room had been crying out for his energy and steel, and boy, has he delivered!
[Palhinha](https://whiteheartlane.com/joao-palhinha-endures-nightmare-debut-as-tottenham-lose-4-0-to-bayern/) was constantly snapping at the heels of Man City’s attackers and won six of his 10 ground and two of his two aerial duels.
The Portuguese international had 40 touches, completed 21/26 passes, four tackles, two clearances, and blocked one shot.
[Hailed as a ‘top player’](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/frank-joao-palhinha-tottenham-transfer-32189759), he was a formidable force through the middle alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr.
Others might get the plaudits, but he was fantastic versus Man City and deserves as much praise as any player on the pitch. What a difference an actual defensive midfielder makes!
It has been a fantastic start to life at Tottenham following his loan signing, as he has plugged the gap in that midfield.
Spurs have now put in three top performances under the new gaffer, Thomas Frank, looking better out of possession and on the ball. Long may that continue!
_Stats from Sofascore_