Five keys to Tottenham Hotspur beating Manchester City in EPL opener

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City battles for possession with Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Final between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 25, 2021, in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Key Three – Attack Manchester City down their left

With John Stones recovering from the summer and Aymeric Laporte looking to leave the club, Nathan Ake is likely to start on the left side of the City center-back pair. Ake is a player that Tottenham can get at and should be looking to attack.

Additionally, whether it is Benjamin Mendy or Oleksandr Zinchenko at left fullback, neither is the player that either Kyle Walker or Joao Cancelo are. Given the choice of attacking Ruben Dias and Cancelo, or Ake and Mendy, the answer is clear, Spurs are going to work up their right flank.

The real issue for the Lilywhites is that they have really struggled to find the consistent play on the right-wing they need for the last few seasons. Gareth Bale did a job but is back with Real Madrid. Ideally, Lucas Moura and even Serge Aurier can drive up the right of the pitch and take advantage of the weaker links in the City defense. While this seems the perfect job for Bryan Gil, it is likely too early and it is up to Lucas and the right back.