Last week was a nightmare for Manchester City, as they suffered back-to-back defeats. First a 3-1 reverse in the Champions League against Real Madrid followed by a 2-0 defeat at home agaisnt Liverpool in the league. Now Guardiola looks to avoid a third loss on the spin against a Spurs side who of often had City’s number.
The Citizens travel to Tottenham hoping to secure three points that will move them back into the top four as their hunt for Champions League football next season continues.
Speaking to the media Pep Guardiola acknowledged the threat the Spurs pose. “I always believed that we always played good against them, but we were not able yet to get results. Tottenham have been the rivals that are most difficult to get results against “. The last team both teams played against each other in November, City suffered a 4-0 home humbling against the North Londoners.
The 54-year-old has been battling with injuries to key players this season as their campaign lurches from one disaster to another. He set the record straight during a post-match interview last week that players who can’t sustain Manchester City’s schedule because of serial injuries or fatigue will have to be let go. He added that some of his players that are 30 and over might be affected with some of them not being able to play more than 50 games. “This is reality. We must sit down with the doctor, with officials, with players, with the agents and be clear that some of them cannot sustain injuries every three days, every month, or two months, playing every three, or four days. So, this is reality “, said Pep
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou sees things differently, praising Manchester City and Guardiola for their past performances and the impact they have had in the league since the Spaniard’s arrival in England. “Sometimes it’s harder when a team is successful and that’s why it’s extraordinary what City have, what Pep’s done, that he’s maintained those levels for so long because when you are successful there Isn’t that real need or urgency to change “
13th-place Tottenham have won their last three league games as they try claw their way back up the table. Their home form is average with five wins, two draws, and six losses. City’s away form is well below what you’d normally expect from, with five losses, five wins, and three draws.
H2H: Last five matches
- 23 November 2024: Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham
- 30 November 2024: Tottenham 2-1 Manchester City
- 14 May 2024: Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
- 26 January 2024: Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
- 3 December 2023: Manchester City 3-3 Tottenham
