Pep Guardiola was brought crashing back down to earth after Manchester City lost 2-0 against Tottenham at the Etihad.
The Citizens began the 2025/26 Premier League campaign in scintillating fashion, recording a 4-0 win away at Wolves.
Tijjani Reijnders joined Sergio Aguero in the record books on the day, becoming the first Manchester City player since the Argentine to score and assist on debut.
However, the story against Tottenham could not have been any more different, as James Trafford was lucky to avoid a red card in the clash as Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha secured the three points for the visitors.
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
And as Spurs became the first side since Liverpool in February to keep a clean sheet against the Citizens, one of Guardiola’s former leading men was catching headlines in Italy.
Kevin De Bruyne shines for Napoli
Kevin De Bruyne, alongside ex-Manchester United man Scott McTominay, ran the show for Napoli as they picked up a 2-0 win over Sassuolo.
Man City allowed De Bruyne to leave at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract, ending his 10-year stay at the Etihad.
The Belgian had expressed a desire to remain with the Citizens, but the club took the executive decision not to offer De Bruyne a new deal.
Kevin De Bruyne vs Sassuolo Total
Touches 67
Pass Accuracy 86%
Long Ball Accuracy 75%
Chances Created 3
Shots 3
Goals 1
Combined xG and xA 0.53
Recoveries 5
Statistics provided by Fotmob.
Indeed, a player Mikel Arteta called one of the best in Premier League history was told to leave Man City, a decision Guardiola will now undoubtedly regret.
As his side were being taught a lesson by last year’s 17th-placed outfit, De Bruyne opened his Napoli account with a sensational free-kick as he rolled back the years in Serie A.
Furthermore, his supposed replacement, Rayan Cherki, failed to build on his debut goal against Wolves and was subsequently removed in the 54th minute on Saturday, despite City supporters having high expectations for the Frenchman.
Manchester City need another midfielder
Although Reijnders and Cherki walked through the door at the Etihad this summer, it has become apparent that there is a De Bruyne-sized hole in the midfield that must be addressed.
Little has been said about the potential impact De Bruyne’s absence will have on Man City this season; he was an integral cog in the club’s recent success.
Sources have informed TBR Football that Man City are still admirers of Lucas Paqueta, and the lack of creativity on display against Tottenham could prompt Guardiola to reignite his interest in the Brazilian.
Paqueta proved his worth with a sensational goal against Chelsea on Friday evening, and with all charges now dropped against the player, now could be the perfect time to add a player who has all the tools to revitalise the midfield options.