Manchester City were brought right back down to earth after an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City’s good summer on the transfer front was followed by a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, which suggested things were on the right track.
However, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham had other plans as they raced into a 2-0 lead at the Etihad Stadium and never looked back.
Brennan Johnson put Spurs ahead in the 35th minute before a James Trafford howler helped Joao Palhinha make it two on the stroke of half-time.
Towards the end of the game, Tottenham fans were heard chanting a number of things which can best be described as ‘character-building’ as far as City are concerned.
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Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on August 23, 2025
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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Tottenham fans mercilessly mock Manchester City
Towards the end of the game, BBC Sport reporter Shamoon Hafez noted how City fans were pouring out of the Etihad.
He then said the travelling fans were singing: “It’s happened again, it’s happened again, Manchester City, it’s happened again.”
Last season, Tottenham ran out 4-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium.
In addition, Spurs fans were chanting “ole, ole”, added BBC Sport, while Sky Sports noted on 92 minutes how ‘the ‘wheys’ have started from the away fans’.
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What Manchester City must do to put things right
Admittedly, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s injury-enforced substitution played a big part in the loss.
Man City were looking stable before he went off, and they were then undone down that side for the opener.
One silver lining comes in the shape of the transfer window still being open, so City can put things right over the next week.
Another reinforcement at left-back is a must, while another right-back should also be on the cards.
In addition, Gianluigi Donnarumma is available and, after Trafford’s errors, the opportunity is there to sign him.
The left-wing position could also do with reinforcements, and Rodrygo would be just the man to improve that side.