Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester City 2-0 in the second round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and Palinea. Thomas Frank praised the team's strong fighting spirit and said the clean sheet was a significant performance.

In the 35th minute of the game, Richarlison crossed from the penalty area, and Brennan Johnson scored with a low shot, giving Tottenham Hotspur the first goal with a 1-0 lead.

In the first half stoppage time, Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford made a mistake when kicking off. Richarlison tried to attack while dealing with the defense, and then Palinha stepped forward and pushed the ball into the goal, helping Tottenham Hotspur extend their lead to 2-0.

The score remained unchanged for the rest of the match, and Tottenham Hotspur ultimately defeated Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium. With two consecutive wins, Tottenham Hotspur currently sits in second place in the standings with six points.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank said after the game, "I am very happy with the team's performance and of course the victory. I think the game was really evenly matched in the first 35 minutes, with Manchester City having a slight advantage, but we tried to keep the rhythm and do the right things, and showed great spirit. The goal changed the situation of the game, and then we almost dominated the rest of the time."

"The second half was also very good. We attacked aggressively from the start, pressed the defense and stayed aggressive. I think the players overcame many difficulties in the game and I am very proud of that."

Thomas Frank also said, "The mentality of keeping a clean sheet is really important because it makes winning a lot easier. We worked hard for this and a huge compliment must be given to the coaching staff, the players and assistant coach Matt Wells."

"Whether it's high pressing, midfield pressure, defending the penalty area, or even the spirit of desperately blocking the ball, all of these are extremely important."

In addition, Thomas Frank also said, "The players' mentality was excellent. They took risks in both the first and second half. This is what we want to do, so that we can keep the ball, press at the right time and force the opponent to run more."

"That mentality and that stubborn determination, that persistence in the high press. We were tired, but they were too, and that was the key difference in the game."