In biblical rain nine months ago, a 4-0 hammering by Tottenham left Manchester City tactically shredded and Pep Guardiola devastated at a silenced Etihad Stadium 48 hours after he had agreed a fresh two-year contract with the club, the manager saying: “I cannot leave.”
When Tottenham return to the scene of last November’s rout for Saturday’s early kick-off, Guardiola will send out a revamped side intent on wiping away the memory of that difficult day, and proving he was prudent to extend his tenure.
