The most impressive thing about Tottenham’s victory over City

Tottenham were tactically and physically superior in their impressive 1-0 win over Manchester City on opening day, thanks in large part to Nuno’s preseason preparation.

To defeat a team like City, every element has to fall into place. Nobody can have a subpar day at the office and lady luck usually has a part to play. And while City missed a few golden opportunities to take the lead in the opening minutes, Tottenham were fully deserving of their historic victory. Nuno’s men, aside from the first 15 minutes, didn’t have to rely on lady luck in the least.

The performance was a testament to Nuno and how his coaching staff have prepared the side in the weeks prior to kickoff. There was a palpable togetherness about the team, with everyone doing their part to stifle a usually rampant City side.

Each member of Nuno’s starting 11 played out of their skin. With confidence, assuredness and direction, Tottenham executed perfectly Nuno’s game plan. Each player knew his responsibility and nobody deviated from the meticulously outlined plan.

Even Dele Alli showed a disciplined side rarely seen in the centre of the park. There was a lack of flashiness to Dele’s game which was replaced by a workmanlike, dedicated and disciplined that often goes amiss. There is no doubt that version of Dele is Nuno’s doing.

The back four were solid and committed no errors, a far cry from the error-riddled rearguard we consistently witnessed last season. Everyone knew what was expected of them. Better yet, each player showed unflappable mental strength, swatting aside each and every City attack.

The space between the front three and the back four was also spot on. The entire collective moved in unison, never allowing too much space in the middle third. The backline pushed up but didn’t over commit, a necessary consideration against a pacey frontline. Spurs never played the offside trap but also didn’t drop back too far, allowing enough space for Hugo Lloris to command his box.

It was a flawless tactical performance which was buoyed by Spurs’ superior physical prowess. Had Tottenham’s front three been more clinical in front of goal, the match would have been put to bed halfway through the second stanza. Steven Bergwijn, Son Heung-Min and Pierre Hojberg all had chances to increase Tottenham’s lead.

City knew going in that Spurs’ best chance at victory would come from the counter attack. Yet Pep’s side still couldn’t thwart Tottenham’s dynamic, well-drilled counter. It was a treat to watch. Tottenham have it all to look forward to if Nuno can consistently elicit that type of performance level from a side who last season endured numerous inconsistent, if not erratic outings.

The unity and camaraderie Tottenham showcased yesterday bodes well for Nuno’s reign in north London. Hard work, grit, determination and a unified squad often has the power to offset slight individual inadequacies.

And Nuno knows precisely how to motivate, which was evident during his time at Wolves and clearly on display yesterday as Tottenham deservedly triumphed over last season’s Premier League champions.