In a stunning turn of events, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City were handed a 4-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad, making it the most defeats Pep has suffered against any team in his managerial career.
Pep Guardiola and his decorated reign at Manchester City
When Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016, the Premier League witnessed a new era of dominance.
The Spaniard has won six Premier League titles, completed a historic treble, and even achieved a domestic quadruple—a testament to his tactical brilliance and relentless pursuit of perfection.
His City side holds the record for the most consecutive league titles won, a feat that underlines their consistency and excellence.
Despite these achievements, the Man City boss’s journey has not been without its challenges. One recurring difficulty has been his encounters with Tottenham Hotspur.
Across competitions—whether in the Premier League, the Champions League, or domestic cup ties—Spurs have consistently caused headaches for the Spaniard, puncturing his otherwise impeccable record.
This weekend’s clash at the Etihad was set against the backdrop of City’s recent struggles. Pep’s side had suffered four straight defeats and had fallen five points off the top of the table.
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A victory against Spurs was crucial not just to halt their slump but also to preserve their unbeaten home record, which stretched back over two years. On the other hand, the Lilywhites arrived at the Etihad battling their own inconsistency but were determined to seize the opportunity.
Tottenham hand Pep Guardiola another bitter pill
In a stunning turn of events, Tottenham dismantled Manchester City with a clinical 4-0 win, extending City’s woes and cementing Spurs’ place as Guardiola’s kryptonite.
The result marked Pep’s ninth loss to Tottenham, the most he has suffered against any club during his managerial career.
As revealed by transfermarkt, Pep’s record against Spurs now stands at 22 matches played, with 10 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, giving him an average points-per-match of just 1.50—well below his usual standards.
This latest defeat reinforces a remarkable trend: regardless of form or circumstance, Spurs consistently manage to outwit Guardiola’s teams.
Spurs resurgence and the battle for the top four
This victory could prove to be pivotal for Tottenham, who have now climbed to sixth in the league table. With 19 points, they are just four points behind Manchester City in second and only three adrift of Arsenal and Chelsea, who occupy third and fourth place respectively.
For Spurs, the win not only boosts their confidence but also places them firmly in the race for Champions League qualification. Ange Postecoglou has faced his share of challenges this season, particularly in terms of finding consistency and battling injuries, yet results like this highlight the potential of his project.
Pep, meanwhile, will need to reassess as City’s title defence looks increasingly shaky. While they remain within striking distance of the top, their recent form is a stark contrast to the dominance they exhibited last season.
For Spurs, however, this latest triumph serves as a reminder of their capability to compete with and defeat the very best, reigniting hopes of a strong finish to the campaign.