Match report: Man City 0-4 Tottenham – James Maddison birthday magic

Tottenham Hotspur delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the Etihad in the Premier League this evening, embarrassing Man City 4-0 in their own backyard.

James Maddison was the life of the party on his 28th birthday, scoring twice in the first half before Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson joined the fun.

This win takes Spurs up to sixth in the Premier League and leaves City with their fifth consecutive defeat. Pep Guardiola’s side is now in full-blown crisis mode, with their title defence looking shakier than ever.

First Half: James Maddison makes Man City miserable

It took just 13 minutes for James Maddison to steal the show. Dejan Kulusevski, turning Josko Gvardiol inside out, whipped in a delightful cross for Maddison to volley home. Against the run of play, Spurs were ahead, and the Etihad fell eerily silent. Just seven minutes later, Maddison was at it again.

City’s loose play at the back was punished as Son Heung-min intercepted and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Maddison, who surged into the box. With ice in his veins, he dinked the ball delicately over Ederson. The Maddison-Son duo was in full flow, their telepathic link-up leaving City’s defence scrambling.

Man City had their chances, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both going close, but the Tottenham defence—led by the unlikely duo of Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin—held firm. At the break, the champions were staring at a two-goal deficit, and Pep’s face said it all.

Second Half: Porro and Johnson seal the humiliation

If Man City fans were hoping for a second-half revival, Tottenham and Pedro Porro crushed their dreams in the 52nd minute. Dominic Solanke, unselfish and sharp, cut the ball back to Porro, who rifled a thunderous shot past Ederson. Scoring against his former club, Porro didn’t hold back in his celebrations, adding insult to injury for the beleaguered hosts.

The cherry on top came in stoppage time. Timo Werner, sprinting like a man possessed, left Kyle Walker in his dust and delivered a low cross for Brennan Johnson to tap in. The fourth goal was the final nail in City’s coffin, and by then, Etihad’s seats were emptier than Spurs’ trophy cabinet used to be.

Takeaways: Tottenham hit new heights against Man City

Maddison’s Masterclass: Two goals on his birthday, a brace against the champions, and an Etihad silenced—Maddison was unplayable. It was his first double in a Spurs shirt, and what a time to deliver it.

Defensive Heroes: Guglielmo Vicario was unbeatable between the posts, making five crucial saves. Ben Davies, or “Mr. Reliable,” stepped up in his first league start this season, keeping Haaland quiet and launching the move for Spurs’ opener. Partnered with Radu Drăgușin, they delivered an unexpected but much-needed clean sheet.

Kulusevski’s Creativity: With the most chances created in the league, Kulu was at it again, pulling the strings and tormenting City’s defence. His assist for Maddison’s opener was pure genius.

Final whistle verdict

This was a performance to remember for Spurs fans and a nightmare for City supporters. Ange Postecoglou’s tactics were spot on—soaking up pressure, countering with venom, and pouncing on every City error. Vicario’s five crucial saves ensured a clean sheet, and the team’s sharpness on the break was lethal.

For City, questions will be asked. Guardiola’s men lacked energy, focus, and discipline, and their defensive lapses were ruthlessly punished. This was a humbling defeat, and with Liverpool up next, things could get even worse for the champions.

Stat attack

• Spurs’ 4-0 win is the heaviest Premier League defeat Guardiola has suffered in his managerial career.
• Maddison became the first Spurs player since Gareth Bale to score twice at the Etihad.
• Spurs’ xG of 2.51 outshone City’s 2.15, highlighting their clinical finishing.

Tottenham fans, soak it in—this was Angeball at its finest. Time to celebrate, and maybe wish Maddison a happy birthday again!

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