Why Do Manchester City Struggle Against Tottenham?

Manchester City rarely lose these days but Tottenham have strangely become their bogey team in recent seasons.

Manchester City V Tottenham record

Manchester City (W66) and Spurs (W66) have a tight record which could see either side go in front by Sunday evening. There has also been 37 draws in this fixtures history.

But since the 2018/19 season, Manchester City have not gone a season without dropping points against Spurs. In nine recent Premier League meetings; Spurs have won four compared to Manchester City’s three with the two remaining ending in a draw.

Tottenham have also tormented Manchester City in the Champions League too in that classic from the 2018/19 season campaign which saw Spurs make it all the way to the final.

Why do Manchester City struggle against Tottenham?

Now Spurs aren’t a poor team. They’ve had a bad past couple of seasons but they’re almost always in a European competition. But Manchester City are a side that have consistently been winning titles, consistently finishing on 95+ points. This begs the question; what is it about Spurs?

Could the answer be counter attacking football?  The partnership between Heung-min Son and Harry Kane played a huge part in Tottenham’s recent successes over City. The 3-2 win over Manchester City in February of 2022 is a perfect example. Kane’s superb holdup play then matched with the pace of Son was lethal for City and left their defence exposed too often.

Tottenham were allowed to leave men back to deal with City’s constant possession but whenever Spurs retrieved the ball it was find Kane and he’ll find either of the wingers.

Manchester City just haven’t learned from that in recent years. Ange Postecoglou’s first game against Manchester City with Tottenham ended in a 3-3 draw. Postecoglou adapted the counter attacking style of play and it paid off with Son and Kulusevski stealing the show.

Where can I watch Tottenham V Manchester City?

Tottenham V Manchester City will be broadcasted on ITV1 with an 8pm kick-off.

Manchester City welcomed the return of Kevin De Bruyne in their 3-2 win over Newcastle. They’ll be hoping for more induvial brilliance from him. Spurs survived without Heung Min-Son (Asian Cup) in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United but City are a different beast.