Three Positives from Tottenham Defeat at Manchester City

It is hard to find silver linings in a 3-0 loss to a team you beat only a few months ago 2-0 yourself, however, that is where things have come to with Tottenham Hotspur, looking for a silver lining in a very dark picture. While nothing really stood out screaming that was good for Spurs, the reality is all is not quite lost yet, in a season that Tottenham are desperately trying to get back on track. So what positives can we get?

Tottenham have Not Quit on José

While there are a number of fans that would be happy if José Mourinho were to be relieved of his duties as Spurs manager one of the final signs of a lost team has yet to appear. Tottenham have not been good by any stretch of the imagination over the last several months, but they have not yet quit trying either.

The Spurs team we saw playing against City were certainly lacking confidence and belief, but like Bill Murray in Stripes they were trying. There was Pierre Højbjerg running up to pressure and try to win the ball back down three near midfield. Dele Alli, Harry Kane, and Gareth Bale, all players not exactly known to always press to impress kept pushing and running.

In the end Tottenham got a couple shots for their efforts and not a lot more but they never stopped. This was a three goal loss based on mistakes and missteps, not a capitulation. That is a big deal, because when you see the players quit on the coach, well, then you know it is over an that has not happened and hopefully will not.

Tottenham might have found two players who can play a role down the stretch

One would be hard pressed to say anyone on Tottenham had a good game against City, particularly on the defense end where Spurs gave away three goals. However, in only his first start of the season in the Premier League Japhet Tanganga held his own at right back.

Tanganga was not excellent, but given the poor performances Spurs have been getting, simply not making any obvious errors leading to goals seems a step up. Maybe Tanganga could have done better helping Davinson Sanchez running with Ilkay Gundogan on City’s third goal but no one really did much there.

Tanganga certainly did not provide the kind of offense we have seen from Serge Aurier on Sergio Reguilón – managing only 1 cross – but the most important thing was his lack of any real mistakes in the back. Largely positioned well staying home allowing Son to stay pushed up and Højbjerg central, some consistent defending is something Spurs need and maybe Tanganga can deliver.

Besides Japhet Tanganga, the one Spur who stood out in his limited minutes was Gareth Bale. Sure, overall to this point the loan has done little more than sell jerseys but Bale showed something in his minutes on the pitch. Bale was able to use some good footwork to create some space in the box, leaving three City defenders behind but had his effort saved by Ederson.

Maybe even more important than the display of some footwork and shooting was that Bale was looking for the ball. Not all of his passes connected and not all of his dribbles worked but he was not hiding as we have seen in previous matches. he looked like he wanted the ball, even almost making a tackle, almost. If Bale can find a little something, Spurs could sure use it.

Tottenham will get to see these guys again and with a lot more on the line

It may not seem like a silver lining but the good news for Tottenham Hotspur is that they are going to get to see Manchester City again. Without a doubt City will come into that match the favorites – barring some catastrophic changes – but that does not mean Spurs cannot win. If Tottenham can avoid the mistakes defensively and catch a break on offense anything can happen.

Yes, Manchester City are 100% the better team right now, everyone can see that, however, they are certainly not a team Spurs are scared of by any means. Sure City were missing Kevin De Bruyne but Spurs were missing Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilón. The point is Tottenham lost more than they were beaten and as we have seen early this season, Spurs can beat Manchester City.

It may not seem like much, but Tottenham will get another chance against City and a win will be worth a whole lot more than three points. After beating themselves more than being beaten, Tottenham have to at least have some belief.