Manchester City suffered their first defeat in all competitions this season by losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Fourth Round of the Carabao Cup.
Ange Postecoglou’s side seemed up for the contest, with Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr giving them a 2-0 lead against Pep Guardiola’s men within 25 minutes.
Matheus Nunes gave Manchester City a ray of hope by scoring at the stroke of half-time.
But ultimately, the visitors were unable to complete a stunning comeback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Several young players were given a chance to make a statement such as James McAtee, Nico O’Reilly, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Jacob Wright.
However, Manchester City’s failure to win the Carabao Cup since 2021 continued.
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Stefan Ortega- 6
The German could not have done much for Werner’s opening goal but he dove too late for Sarr’s second strike from distance. Made a brilliant save to stop Brennan Johnson’s shot from bypassing him that was deemed offside anyway.
In the second half, Stefan Ortega also kept out Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison’s shots from two separate one-on-one situations to redeem himself.
Rico Lewis- 7.5
Rico Lewis put in a spirited display as he largely kept Werner quiet, fizzed in incisive passes and especially showcased his ability to play long-range passes. The Englishman’s quality in tight spaces was for the world to witness against Tottenham as he put in yet another impressive performance.
John Stones- 7
John Stones made crucial challenges at the back and despite Manchester City being 2-0 down within 25 minutes, his performance in the first half was impressive. Stones’ passing was crisp and progressive as well.
The 30-year-old’s solid display continued in the second half as he looks like a man in form.
Ruben Dias- 5.5
For Werner’s first goal, Ruben Dias was caught far too high up the pitch, which allowed Dejan Kulusevski to have all the room in the world to provide the assist. Taken off at half-time, potentially with Manchester City’s contest with AFC Bournemouth in mind.
Nathan Ake- 6
Nathan Ake could not have done much for the first goal after Archie Gray played a pass around him in the build-up to Werner’s strike.
Ilkay Gundogan- 4
In the first half, Ilkay Gundogan really struggled, especially due to being far too sloppy in possession as he played wayward passes and took uncharacteristically heavy touches to lose the ball. Hooked off at half-time after a really poor display.
Bernardo Silva hailed Gundogan as “very clever” once but his latest showing was anything but that.
Nico O’Reilly- 6.5
It was not an easy outing for Nico O’Reilly as he was tasked to play in midfield against a top-quality Tottenham side.
But in the second half, the youngster looked far more composed on the ball, was quite press-resistant and very unlucky not to score in the dying embers of the game after his effort was cleared off the lines by Yves Bissouma.
James McAtee- 6
McAtee certainly had bright moments as he demonstrated his silky touches, natural instinct to make intelligent runs in behind and win the ball back.
Tasked with playing as a false nine in the second half after Phil Foden was taken off, which was a challenge for him.
Savinho- 8
Even when Manchester City were under the cosh, Savinho was in majestic touch as he drove forward with the ball with ease and looked at his skilful best. The 20-year-old’s stepover before he put in a pinpoint cross in for Nunes to score at the stroke of half-time was simply delightful.
The bigger concern for City is that Savinho was stretchered off with an injury.
Phil Foden- 5
Playing as a false nine, Phil Foden was rather muted in the first half, barring a few bright moments, a close-range volley that he attempted and a free-kick that flew over the bar. Taken off at half-time.
Matheus Nunes- 8.5
Nunes was Manchester City’s best player in the first half, often driving past Gray for fun and playing dangerous through balls in behind Spurs’ defence. The Portuguese international almost set Foden up with a wonderful lobbed pass and scored City’s opener with a well-taken finish from close range.
In his last three outings, Nunes has two goals and three assists as he is starting to make a strong case to become a starter.
Substitutes
Josko Gvardiol- 6.5
Josko Gvardiol was defensively solid and crisp in possession for the most part after coming on until he took a poor throw-in as he gifted Richarlison a one-on-one chance.
Mateo Kovacic- 6.5
Mateo Kovacic drove with the ball very well and largely, he looked bright after coming off the bench.
Jacob Wright- 7
Unfortunate not to score after his curled effort was inches away from levelling the score for City. Wright was a real threat in the final third, taking shots from distance and putting dangerous balls into the box.
Bernardo Silva- 5
Bernardo Silva was largely ineffective as a right-winger on Wednesday night.
