VAR Drama and Guardiola’s Tactics Backfire as Tottenham Stun Manchester City in Premier League
Manchester City vs Tottenham: Premier League Live Blog
By Harry Bamforth, Jack Gaughan, and Riath Al-Samarrai | Updated: 14:00 BST, 23 August 2025
Pep Guardiola faced tactical headaches early in the match.
5’ – GOAL DISALLOWED!
VAR drama strikes instantly! Erling Haaland’s clinical finish is ruled out for offside after a tense review. Guardiola’s frustration is visible as City’s early dominance goes unrewarded.
18’ – TOTTENHAM TAKE THE LEAD!
Against the run of play, Son Heung-min fires Spurs ahead after a razor-sharp counterattack. City’s high line collapses, leaving the Etihad stunned.
Son silenced the home crowd with a ruthless finish.
33’ – DOUBLE VAR DRAMA!
Rodri’s header forces a spectacular save from Guglielmo Vicario, but Julián Álvarez’s rebound strike is controversially chalked off for a marginal foul. Guardiola erupts at the fourth official.
HALFTIME: MANCHESTER CITY 0-1 TOTTENHAM
Pep’s tactics under scrutiny: Spurs absorb pressure and exploit gaps. Can City recover?
52’ – POST!
Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick rattles the woodwork. City inch closer…
67’ – GUARDIOLA’S GAMBLE
Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku replace Álvarez and Jack Grealish. Immediate impact: Foden’s creativity sparks chaos in Spurs’ box.
78’ – EQUALIZER!
Haaland atones! The Norwegian towers above Spurs’ defense to head in De Bruyne’s cross. 1-1!
Haaland brought City level with a towering header.
83’ – SPURS RETALIATE!
James Maddison curls a beauty into the top corner moments after coming on. 2-1 Spurs!
89’ – RED CARD!
Rodri sees red for a reckless challenge on Pape Matar Sarr. City down to 10 men.
FULL TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 1-2 TOTTENHAM
A seismic upset at the Etihad! Guardiola’s side stunned by Spurs’ resilience and VAR twists.
Key Moments:
- Haaland’s disallowed goal sets tense tone.
- Son’s clinical counter exposes City’s defensive gaps.
- Double VAR denials leave Pep furious.
- Maddison’s late stunner seals Spurs’ victory.
Maddison delivered the dagger for Tottenham.
What’s Next?
City face a midweek Champions League test, while Spurs aim to build momentum. Analysts question Guardiola’s high-risk strategy as the title race heats up.
Stay tuned for post-match analysis and press conference updates.
