Tottenham Hotspur have sent shockwaves through the English Premier League with a resounding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, all while missing their iconic former captain Son Heung-min. The win, which took place on August 23, 2025, was not only a statement of intent for the North London club but also a showcase of their squad depth and tactical discipline as they embark on the 2025-2026 campaign.
The Premier League’s official recognition of Tottenham’s performance was swift and emphatic. On August 27, the league unveiled its Team of the Week for Round 2, and five Spurs players were named among the eleven best, a testament to the club’s collective excellence. Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer and a respected pundit, selected the lineup, which included Tottenham’s defenders Jed Spence, Micky van de Ven, and Cristian Romero, as well as midfielders Pape Sarr and João Palhinha. The manager’s spot was awarded to Thomas Frank, who has been steering the Tottenham ship with a steady hand since his appointment.
But the headlines didn’t stop there. João Palhinha, the 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder who joined Tottenham after a stint at Bayern Munich, was named the Premier League’s Player of the Week for his commanding display against City. Making his first EPL start for Spurs, Palhinha dominated the midfield, stifling City’s creative engine and capping his performance with a crucial goal just before halftime. According to official Premier League statistics, Palhinha played 89 minutes, notched a goal, completed 23 passes at an 85% success rate, made two tackles, two clearances, and won two ground duels. His efforts were crucial in helping Tottenham secure their second consecutive league win.
Reflecting on Palhinha’s impact, manager Thomas Frank praised his new midfielder but emphasized that there is even more to come. "Today Palhinha was outstanding. However, sometimes he needs to have more confidence. I don’t think he’s at his physical peak yet," Frank remarked after the match, hinting at the potential for further improvement as the season progresses.
The match itself was a tactical chess match, with Tottenham executing their game plan to near perfection. In the 35th minute, Tottenham’s Brazilian forward Richarlison muscled his way past City defenders to win the ball and delivered a low cross into the box. Brennan Johnson, who had already scored in the season opener against Burnley, was perfectly positioned to tap the ball home. Initially flagged for offside, the goal was awarded after a VAR review, confirming Johnson’s second goal in as many matches. Richarlison, for his part, continued his strong start to the season by registering his second consecutive attacking contribution.
Manchester City, rattled by the opener, made an uncharacteristic error in stoppage time of the first half. City goalkeeper James Trafford, under pressure, attempted a risky pass out from the back that was intercepted by Richarlison. Although Trafford managed to parry the initial effort, Palhinha pounced on the rebound, firing a shot that deflected off a City defender and into the net. The goal gave Tottenham a 2-0 cushion heading into halftime and left City with a mountain to climb.
Despite City’s best efforts in the second half, Tottenham’s defense held firm. Palhinha even thwarted a dangerous attempt from Nathan Aké, throwing himself in front of a powerful shot to preserve the clean sheet. The final whistle confirmed Tottenham’s 2-0 triumph, marking their second straight win to open the league season—a feat matched only by Arsenal and Liverpool at this early stage.
What makes Tottenham’s early-season form all the more impressive is the absence of Son Heung-min. The South Korean star, who joined LAFC during the summer, was a perennial thorn in City’s side during his Spurs tenure, tallying eight goals and five assists in 21 appearances against Pep Guardiola’s team. Guardiola himself once admitted, "Do you know how many times Son Heung-min has frustrated us over the last seven or eight years?" Yet, Tottenham’s new-look squad has shown they can thrive even without their former talisman.
Tottenham’s squad overhaul has been notable. The club promoted five players from their Premier League 2 squad to the first team ahead of the new season, signaling a commitment to youth and fresh talent. Among the promoted players are Jodson (Everton), Suvin (Jeddah Sports), Miky Panderson, Christie Tottenham, and Weir Burn (Aston Villa). Additional signings such as Joze Keln (Benfica), Jusang Pirina, Choi Jeonbang Suriang Raine, Olson, Beito Rose, and Jusang Fedru have bolstered the squad’s depth and versatility.
The mood in the Tottenham camp is buoyant. Players and staff have expressed confidence in their ability to maintain this early momentum, with a particular focus on building a cohesive unit capable of challenging for honors. The club’s next test comes on August 30, when they host Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Spurs can extend their winning streak and solidify their position near the top of the table.
Off the pitch, João Palhinha has also attracted attention for his personal story. After a tumultuous period at Bayern Munich and rumors surrounding his private life, Palhinha has found stability and happiness at Tottenham. Recent reports clarified that earlier allegations about his personal conduct were unfounded, and he has been seen embracing family life, sharing moments with his son at the club’s training ground.
For Tottenham, the early returns on their summer business and tactical evolution are promising. The club’s stated goal is to strengthen the squad and secure a strong position in the Premier League standings. With the likes of Palhinha, Johnson, and Richarlison firing, and a new generation of talent stepping up, Spurs supporters have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
As the season unfolds, the question remains: can Tottenham sustain this level of performance and mount a genuine title challenge? For now, though, the club is riding high, and the Premier League is officially on notice.
