Tottenham player ratings vs Man City: Dejan Kulusevski masterclass as James Maddison sends statement

Tottenham player ratings vs Man City: Dejan Kulusevski masterclass as James Maddison sends statement

Tottenham condemned Manchester City to a fifth straight defeat with an outstanding 4-0 win at the Etihad, inspired by James Maddison’s first-half double.

Back in the Premier League XI, Maddison twice finished smartly after devastating runs into the City box.

Pedro Porro added a third for rampant Spurs after the break, before Brennan Johnson turned fellow sub Timo Werner's cross over the line in stoppage-time.

For Ange Postecoglou, it was easily his best result in the job, while his counterpart Pep Guardiola is now facing his roughest period as a coach.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at the Etihad…

Guglielmo Vicario 9

Made a string of fine saves, most notably to deny Erling Haaland with an outstretched leg at 0-0 and Ilkay Gundogan late on.

Pedro Porro 8

Took his goal superbly to ease Tottenham’s nerves in the second half and got the better of Savinho defensively.

Radu Dragusin 9

Three of his best displays for the club have now come against City. The Romanian was outstanding at the back and his raking pass released Dejan Kulusevski ahead of the opening goal.

Ben Davies 9

Brilliant on the ball as Spurs bravely played through City’s press and a rock at the back. Blocked an early Haaland effort at 0-0.

Destiny Udogie 8

Stretched by Phil Foden in the early exchanges but grew into the game and helped Spurs to dominate their left flank. Walked off gingerly at the end, which will concern Postecoglou.

Yves Bissouma 8

Had to be careful after being booked inside 17 seconds. But barely put another foot wrong in a commanding display at the base of midfield.

Pape Matar Sarr 8

Perhaps Spurs’ unsung hero of the evening, getting up and down the pitch tirelessly to thwart City and drive Spurs forward.

James Maddison 9

Marked his birthday with a brilliant double to set Spurs on their way to a landmark result.

Birthday boy: James Maddison bagged a brace against Man City (Action Images via Reuters)
Birthday boy: James Maddison bagged a brace against Man City (Action Images via Reuters)

Dejan Kulusevski 9

Back on the wing but no less influential. Made the first goal for Maddison with an in-swinging cross and also crucial in the build up to the third.

Heung-min Son 8

Set up Maddison’s second goal and nearly scored with a brilliant curling effort which was palmed away by Ederson. Stretched City.

Dominic Solanke 8

Unlucky not to score when Ederson got a fingertip to his shot. Worked selflessly for the team and made the third goal for Porro with a cutback.

Subs

Brennan Johnson (Son 63’) 8

Added real gloss to the scoreline with yet another back-post finish, turning Werner's cross over the line from close range.

Lucas Bergvall (Maddison 90') N/A

Allowed Maddison to milk the applause from the away end.

Timo Werner (Sarr 90') 8

Made an immediate impact, skinning Kyle Walker and setting up Johnson at the far post.

Djed Spence (Udogie 90') N/A

Not used: Forster, Gray, Lankshear, Olusesi, Hardy.