'Magnificent': Tim Sherwood names the two Tottenham players who were truly outstanding v Man City last night
Today at 02:15 AM
Tottenham Hotspur sent a message of intent to the entirety of the Premier League with a 4-0 win away at Manchester City.
Spurs have blown hot and cold this season, recording some incredible results but also falling to defeats against teams that, on paper, they should have beaten.
The loss to Ipswich Town upped the pressure on Ange Postecoglou, but he and his Tottenham charges showed how they can literally beat – indeed, destroy – anyone on their day.
Spurs opened the scoring on 13 minutes when Dejan Kulusevski whipped in a marvellous cross for James Maddison to volley home.
The England international then doubled Tottenham’s lead just seven minutes later, lobbing the ball over Ederson following a one-two win Son Heung-min.
As if being two-up at half-time didn’t send enough shockwaves throughout the Premier League, they got a third early in the second half.
Dominic Solanke teed up Pedro Porro to curl home a powerful effort past the Man City stopper in the 53rd minute of the game.
Tottenham then rubbed salt in the wound with a stoppage-time fourth as Brennan Johnson ghosted in at the back post to tap home Timo Werner’s cross.
Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood delivered his verdict on the match at full-time, singling out two Spurs players for their efforts on the day.
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Tim Sherwood hails Tottenham duo James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski
Sherwood, speaking on Premier League Productions, said Maddison was “brilliant”, while Kulusevski delivered a “magnificent” display.
“We expected goals but we didn't expect four for Spurs,” he said. “It's a fantastic result for them, the game plan worked perfectly.
“Maddison played brilliant, Kulusevski looked magnificent. I thought it was a perfect performance. Very, very Spursy.”
How Alasdair Gold rated Maddison and Kulusevski
Football.london gave both Maddison and Kulusevski a rating of 9 out of 10 for their heroics on the day.
Alasdair Gold said of Maddison: “Celebrated his birthday with two superb first-half strikes.
“The first was a left-footed volley on the run and the second was a delicate dink over the onrushing Ederson.
“His confidence was flowing from then on and he showed exactly what he can do.”
Gold then said of Kulusevski: “On the right wing and he hit a sublime pass into the path of Maddison for the opening goal.
“Was then involved in Spurs’ third goal early in the second half with a ball across to Solanke.
“Forced Ederson into a save with a second half run and shot. He just loves to play at this stadium.”
