What Man City Boss Guardiola Must Be Aware of When They Host Spurs
- Think Football Ideas
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Why Pep Guardiola Must Treat Spurs as a Serious Threat at the Etihad
Pep Guardiola knows better than most managers that Tottenham Hotspur are not a side to underestimate. While City have swept aside plenty of rivals during their dominant years, Spurs remain one of the few teams to consistently frustrate and even outsmart Guardiola’s well-oiled machine.
The first warning for City lies in Spurs’ unpredictability. Under new boss Thomas Frank, the Lilywhites are embracing a balance of defensive structure and direct attacking transitions.
Richarlison, supported by Brennan Johnson and Mohammed Kudus, thrives on early service into the box. As seen in their comfortable opening-day win over Burnley, Spurs whipped in crosses relentlessly, looking for quick finishes inside the area.
Even when Dominic Solanke replaced Richarlison, the England international received a few deliveries from the right flank, controlling one, turning, and firing a shot that eventually went wide. City’s back line cannot afford lapses in concentration, because the North Londoners won’t hesitate to capitalise
Another factor Guardiola must weigh is Spurs’ historical knack of making life difficult for his side. Despite City’s dominance in the Premier League era, Tottenham have a habit of pulling off results at the Etihad.
They beat City 4-0 in Manchester last season, and their ability to absorb pressure before striking on the counter has often undone Guardiola’s high defensive line. Even when outplayed in possession, Spurs’ directness and clinical edge make them uniquely dangerous.
Then there’s the psychological edge Spurs carry into these fixtures. For City, matches against Tottenham Hotspur are rarely routine. Whether through a dramatic Champions League clash or unexpected league setbacks, Guardiola’s players are well aware that Spurs are a team that refuses to roll over.
That history fuels belief in the Tottenham camp, giving Frank’s side confidence that they can once again exploit the champions’ weaknesses, albeit it would be the first time the Dane will be leading them at the Etihad.
Set pieces also loom as a potential problem area. Frank’s Brentford sides built a reputation for being among the best in the league from dead-ball situations, and early signs suggest Spurs are adopting similar routines. For a City defence accustomed to controlling open play, the aerial threat and clever delivery Spurs can produce may be one of the key battlegrounds.
Finally, Guardiola must be wary of the new spirit coursing through Tottenham. Last season was chaotic. They had a dismal league 2024-25 campaign, balanced out by Europa League glory.
But with a slightly refreshed squad, youthful energy in midfield, and a manager determined to instil discipline, Spurs now look like a side with renewed purpose. Brennan Johnson noted that teammate Richarlison looks like a player desperate to silence his critics.
Of course, words alone mean little, and Richarlison will ultimately have to let his football do the talking, yet that hunger and mentality can be every bit as dangerous as tactical setups, particularly against a City side that expects to dominate.
For City to prevail, Guardiola’s men will need to manage more than Spurs’ tactics. They must overcome a team that relishes playing spoiler against them, one that has hurt them before and believes it can do so again.