The goalkeeper had a nightmare display in goal and the Norwegian striker was blunt as Pep Guardiola's side were stunned by a ruthlessly-effective Spurs
James Trafford must have dreamt for many years of making his debut at the Etihad Stadium after growing up at the club but when it finally came it was the stuff of nightmares. The goalkeeper made two big mistakes and cost his side a 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, completely deflating all the optimism after their crushing opening-day bashing of Wolves.
City made a dominant start, with Omar Marmoush taking the initiative with some very bright play down the left wing. He poked wide of the far post and forced three saves from Guglielmo Vicario but Spurs struck first through a clever break beginning in their area. The move saw Richarlison chase a knock-down and play the perfect cut-back for Brennan Johnson to hit home first time and although the goal was initially flagged offside, it was then awarded by VAR and, from there, Tottenham continued to unsettle their hosts on the break, and especially Trafford.
The goalkeeper arrived late to a challenge with Mohammed Kudus but escaped without giving away a foul or, thankfully for him, a red card. But things got far worse from the unlikely scenario of a City goal-kick, which they decided to play short. Trafford took a pass from Dias and tried to play in Nico Gonzalez but he was robbed by Pape Matar Sarr and it led to a scramble in the area, allowing Joao Palhinha to slam the loose ball in.
City barely knew what hit them and Spurs dominated most of the second half. Pep Guardiola was so desperate he put on Rodri despite warning of the dangers of bringing him back too soon. It made little difference as Bernardo Silva's shot off the bar was the closest they came to finding a way back.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
James Trafford (4/10):
A nightmare home debut which could well make City reassess their goalkeeping options and make a late push for Gianluigi Donnarumma. Sloppy for the first goal, practically caused the second and could even have been sent off. Gained a mark for his late double save.
Rico Lewis (5/10):
Nearly got Trafford in trouble early on and then showed his lack of defensive awareness by failing to cut out Richarlison's cross to Johnson. Later shanked a shot into the upper tier, ruining a positive piece of play.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
The only City defender to do okay, even if it was his idea to play the goal-kick short.
John Stones (5/10):
Slipped at inopportune moment as Tottenham countered to score, allowing Johnson to stay unmarked. Did make a good slide tackle on the Wales international after.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (N/A):
Only played a quarter of the game. Took a knock after challenging Mohamed Kudus and had to come off shortly after.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):
A come down from his magical Premier League debut. Influential in the first half but final ball was lacking and he faded badly in the second.
Nico Gonzalez (4/10):
Showed a huge lack of awareness to look for the ball and then lose it for the second goal. Either side of that he gave the defence little protection before being removed for a half-fit Rodri.
Oscar Bobb (6/10):
Had a decent first half despite playing in a different, deeper role than his excellent display at Wolves. Like the rest of his team-mates he did not respond well to Spurs' goals.
Getty Images SportAttack
Omar Marmoush (6/10):
Was very lively in the first half and came closest to scoring for City although his finishing was questionable.
Erling Haaland (4/10):
His ferocious record in the second game of the season came to an end. Had just one shooting chance, a free header which he sent into the stands. On the plus side he set-up a good opportunity for Marmoush with an impressive dribble and pass.
Rayan Cherki (5/10):
Teed up Haaland's free header but did not get involved as much as he should have.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Nathan Ake (5/10):
Didn't protect the left side well enough when Spurs pounced for the first time.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Gave City a bit of hope and leadership when he came on, hitting the bar.
Jeremy Doku (6/10):
His trickery gave City a bit more energy and directness although it didn't lead to much.
Phil Foden (5/10):
Denied by a flying Micky van de Ven slide tackle.
Rodri (6/10):
Almost had an instant impact when he headed a corner at goal but Vicario was equal to it.
Pep Guardiola (5/10):
His team looked ill-prepared for Spurs' high-pressing game. He made the changes you would expect in the second half but they made no real impact.
