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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Postecoglou's 'box office' Spurs inflict fifth-straight defeat on Manchester City

Ange Postecoglou has experienced his fair share of doubters since taking up the managerial role at Tottenham Hotspur in July 2023. 

But he may have just led Spurs to the biggest, and most eye-catching, result of his tenure so far...beating the reigning English Premier League champions away from home.  

Spurs were 4-0 winners against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with James Maddison - who was celebrating his 28th birthday - netting a first half double before Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson also got on the scoresheet.

It is the first time in his career that Pep Guardiola has lost five consecutive matches. 

(Image: PA) That outcome has propelled Spurs into sixth place whilst Manchester City stay second, five points behind leaders Liverpool, who visit Southampton on Sunday. 

Making a sly dig at the Postecoglou’s skeptics down south, Celtic hero Chris Sutton took to X at full-time and said: "I can really see why some people thought Ange is under real pressure at Spurs… Spurs are box office under Postecoglou."

It was a noteworthy conclusion to Manchester City’s 52-match unbeaten streak at the Etihad, a remarkable run that dated back to November 2022.

And Postecoglou - who won five trophies during his two-season spell at Celtic - believes the style of football his men played proved the difference on their travels.

"Proud of the lads," he told BBC Sport. "To come to City at their place is a daunting prospect. It challenges every part of you. A bit of everything today. We had to be disciplined and work hard - and play decent football - and we did that. Our football was the difference today. Outstanding performance.

"You have to be [clinical]. They won't give you too many opportunities. There was a calmness and maturity about how we handled the ball. Against City you can get spooked and don't want to play against them. But you have to play.

"They test you in every way - mentally, physically, tactically. Our flat spots have been really flat and something we need to eradicate. We're a much better team this year than last year. We just need to find consistency."

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