The pre-season champion starts the new season as a hunter: Manchester City lost 1-0 (0-1) to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the Premier League. In a match played over long distances between the penalty areas, a counterattack in the winning goal by Son Heung-min made the difference (55th minute) and ensured a successful start for Nuno Espirito Santo in the Tottenham dugout.
The Citizens, who had Jack Grealish, who had signed with Aston Villa for €117.5 million, was in the starting line-up for the first time, got off to a furious start. A skewed free kick from international Ilkay Gundogan hovered over the left corner of Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (fourth), after the next corner that Fernandinho lost a narrow lead with his header (5).
But as soon as Pep Guardiola’s side became dangerous, the initial offensive spirit calmed down again. The game remained fast-paced, but goal-area sightings became rare – and when they did, it was the homeowners who brought in the chances thanks to their quick substitution style. With a shot from 16 meters, Son approached the goal before the break (40), the ball missed the right post.
No matter Ken’s absence
After the break, the South Korean made it even better: Via Stephen Bergwijn, Spurs quickly brought a ball that was invaded deep in their own half to the top. There, Son initially executed it to the right side before dribbling the striker back to the middle and hitting the far corner with a left-footed shot (55th position). Son could play the often unfamiliar striker in the future: the regular Harry Kane was missing from the Spurs squad after a lengthy sabbatical at EM, and the striker is considered a candidate for sale.
In the event of a move, Kane could become the most expensive English footballer in history. So far this title is held by fellow national teammate Grealish, but even the new star from Sky Blues couldn’t give the game a new twist in the final stage: a shot from an acute angle (75), a yellow card for a. Tactical error at the end of the match (90 + 1) – then the match ended and City were defeated.
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