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Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City Premier League Preview

By Aaron Coe

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. 8,000 fans are due to watch the game at Wembley, the most at an outdoor sporting event in the UK since the coronavirus pandemic started in March, 2020. Each team has been given an allocation of 2,000 with the remaining tickets split between local residents and NHS staff. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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. 8,000 fans are due to watch the game at Wembley, the most at an outdoor sporting event in the UK since the coronavirus pandemic started in March, 2020. Each team has been given an allocation of 2,000 with the remaining tickets split between local residents and NHS staff. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Is the time ripe to beat Manchester City?

Even if Kane does miss the match for Tottenham, they still are likely down fewer stars than will be Manchester City. It has been reported that both Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden will be absent from the team on Sunday as they recover from injuries. The Sky Blues are still a formidable attacking force without the two superstars but Spurs are not likely to complain if both do really miss out.

The  Cityzens may be down more players, as several others including Gabriel Jesus, Ederson, Kyle Walker, and John Stones only recently returned to practice following their own extended breaks. Factor in players like Ayermic Laporte and Bernardo Silva reportedly wanting out of the Etihad and maybe now is the time to beat City. However, they have been great on opening day for a while.

Pep Guardiola is undefeated on opening day

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has won all five of his opening day matches in the Premier League. This is actually quite remarkable until you realize that City has actually won 10 straight games on opening day.

The opening day winning streak s so good, that if City beats Spurs they will set a record for the most consecutive wins on opening day in top-flight history. Currently, the Sky Blues are tied with Aston Villa (1891/92-1900/01) with the 10 straight opening day wins.

Tottenham have a little streak of their own

Yes, the Spurs lost to Everton on opening day last season, however, Tottenham have won their last two at home against Manchester City in the Premier League. That streak for the Lilywhites is actually three straight at home in all competitions, winning 1-0 in the Champions League back in 2019.

The key in these wins has been sound defense from the Spurs. In those three wins, Tottenham outscored City 5-0. If they can manage a clean sheet at worst they are getting a point and more likely than not they are winning, especially if Nathan Ake is again in the middle of the City defense.

Son the Spur to watch vs City

While many eyes and likely camera lenses will be on Harry Kane, it is Heung-Min Son who everyone – especially the City defense – needs to watch for. Son has scored six goals in all competitions against Manchester City and always seems to come up with the good at home in particular.

After signing a new contract this summer and likely working to carry the mantle of best player if/when Kane leaves, Son is going to do everything he can to shine on Sunday. The reality is, that absent Kyle Walker, City lacks the pace to stay with Son over the top.

Expect a lot of long balls and through balls intermixed in the Tottenham possession. It only takes one to get behind and if you try enough, eventually one will break. If Lucas Moura can get away from Rodri and find space in the middle, City can be had defensively and this can be a game.

Moura was one of the bright spots in the preseason for Tottenham and his playmaking needs to continue for the Spurs to be successful. If Moura cannot find room and Son cannot get behind, it may be a long after for the Tottenham faithful. However, our belief is Lucas and Son will carry the day and Spurs break the City opening day streak.

Report: Spurs players feel fit, sharp. dark. Next