Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham – Spurs deliver a remarkable victory at the Etihad, scoring four goals against the Premier League champions.
**Maddison’s Birthday Brilliance Shatters City’s Unbeaten Streak**
In a stunning display of football, James Maddison marked his 28th birthday in spectacular fashion, scoring a brilliant first-half double as Tottenham Hotspur dismantled Manchester City’s remarkable 52-match unbeaten home run with a resounding 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024.
Pep Guardiola’s side, the reigning champions, had not tasted defeat on their own turf in the Premier League since a 2-1 loss to Brentford two years ago. However, the evening took a turn for the worse after a promising start. Just 15 minutes in, Maddison capitalised on a cross from Dejan Kulusevski, volleying home to give Spurs the lead and send shockwaves through the City ranks.
The England international was not done there. Five minutes later, he showcased his class once again, seizing on a careless pass from the City defence. With a deft touch, he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Ederson, doubling Tottenham’s advantage and leaving the home side reeling.
As the match progressed, it became clear that City were struggling to find their rhythm. The visitors continued to press, and their efforts paid off when Dominic Solanke set up Pedro Porro, who thundered home the third goal just seven minutes into the second half. This marked City’s fifth consecutive defeat across all competitions, a dismal run that represents the worst spell of Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career.
By the time Brennan Johnson added a fourth in the dying moments, tapping in from a Timo Werner assist, it was evident that Tottenham were in complete control. This emphatic win not only avenged last season’s heartbreaking 4-3 defeat at the same venue, where Spurs squandered a 2-0 lead, but also highlighted the growing prowess of Ange Postecoglou’s side.
For City, this defeat is a stark reminder of their vulnerabilities, and it marks the first time they have faced such a grim run since 2006 under Stuart Pearce. Meanwhile, Liverpool now have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points if they secure a victory against Southampton on Sunday.
In a season that continues to surprise, Tottenham’s triumph at the Etihad will be remembered as a defining moment, showcasing the potential of a team that is rapidly finding its feet in the Premier League.