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Richarlison: 7; Palhinha: 8; Johnson: ?? | Tottenham Hotspur player ratings vs Manchester City | Premier League 2025/26

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Ahmad Sarmad Ansari | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 11:09 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur have had an amazing start to the 2025-26 season. After having beaten Burnley in the opening game of the new Premier League campaign, Spurs faced a very difficult challenge in the matchday 2 as they faced Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side.

Thomas Frank’s side once again showcased its credentials in this game as they emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. Goals from Joao Palhinha and Brennan Johnson allowed the Lilywhites to get this memorable win at the Etihad Stadium.

Overall, this was a tightly contested match, but Tottenham ultimately emerged victorious as they took better advantage of their chances. Several players stood out in this game, and the player ratings for Spurs player in this game are as follows:

Guglielmo Vicario (GK): 7

Played a good role in helping his team keep a clean sheet in this game by making up to 4 saves. 2 of these saves came from shots inside the box. Was also good with some of his long balls .

Pedro Porro (RB): 6.5

Was unable to take advantage of a good free-kick opportunity early in the match, and could have cost his team dearly as Omar Marmoush intercepted his pass back to Vicario, but luckily, the Egyptian’s shot went wide. Otherwise, was quite good defensively, and made 5 clearances and 1 tackle.

Cristian Romero [C] (CB): 7

Put in a solid performance to keep a dangerous Manchester City attack quiet. Made 4 clearances, 3 interceptions, and 2 tackles, while also blocking 1 shot.

Micky van de Ven (CB): 7

Showcased his defensive and passing skills once again in this match as he completed 37 of his 40 attempted passes, recording a 93% success rate in this regard. Also made 2 clearances and 1 tackle.

Djed Spence (LB): 6

Had quite a mixed game as he struggled with the quick pressing of Manchester City players, but was still able to help his side defensively. Could complete only 68% of his passes and won only 3 of his 8 ground duels.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CDM): 6.5

One can argue he had a composed outing in the midfield, helping his team defensively with 3 clearances, 2 tackles, and 1 interception. Also put in 1 key pass.

Joao Palhinha (CM): 8

What a way to reintroduce himself into the Premier League. The Portuguese won the highest number of duels (4) and tackles (3) during the first half. Also got himself on the scoresheet with a good strike right at the stroke of half-time.

Pape Matar Sarr (CM): 6

The Senegalese was once again everywhere on the pitch, but his influence was n ot as marked in this game as it was in the match against Burnley. Had only 32 touches on the ball, and attempted only 16 passes, of which 13 were successful. Also won only 3 of the 13 duels he was involved in.

Brennan Johnson (LW): 7.5

Build up on his momentum from the Burnley goal to keep up his scoring streak. His goal gave the lead to Tottenham in such an important game, and also had his fair share of contributions to the defense.

Mohammed Kudus (RW): 7

Once again proved to be a diffic ult player on the wing with his dribbling and crossing. Attempted 5 dribbles in total against a very well disciplined Manchester City side, and came out successful in 3 of these attempts. Also put in several dangerous crosses, but Richarlison, or his other teammates, were unable to take advantage of these.

Richarlison (ST): 7

Completed only 3 passes in the first half, but was still able to get an assist to his name. His aggressive pressing was also quite effective, as he first forced the City goalkeeper into making an error and then won the ball and a free-kick from Haaland near the City box early in the game. However, was unable to take advan tage of some chances in the second half.

Substitutes

Dominic Solanke: 5

Came on for Richarlison in the 78^th minutes and helped finish the game without too many surprises.

Wilson Odebert: 5

Came on for Brennan Johnson near the end of the game.

Lucas Bergvall: N/A

Came on in the 86^th minute for Mohammed Kudus but did not have much time to make a name for himself.

Kevin Danso: N/A

Came in at the 90^th minute for Joao Palhinha to provide more legs in the defense.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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