1. Spurs could not force Mozart to hit the wrong notes
In the build-up to this game, Mauricio Pochettino complimented Sergio Aguero’s special talent by comparing him with Mozart. Just before the game, the Spurs boss revealed his hope that they would contain the Argentine centre forward, but that was hardly the case as the striker breached them four times.
Aguero’s finishing was impressive even for his lofty standards. Only Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and a maybe one or two players in the world can lace the ball with the accuracy that Aguero had when he scored his two goals from open play.
2. Spurs are still adjusting to Pochettino’s way
The way Tottenham pressed for the ball in this game hinted at the work that Pochettino is investing in his new club. The north London club picked moments when they pressed high for the ball, which was a key aspect in Southampton’s defensive approach when the Argentine manager was with the Saints.
Tottenham claimed their goal from that high pressing as they stole possession from Fernando in the final third and quickly scored. But they conceded a second penalty when that approach failed to work. Etienne Capoue misread the game and pushed very high, leaving David Silva with a lot of space in between the lines and when Manchester City bypassed Spurs’ holding midfielder in their half, Spurs were in big trouble.
This is clearly a system that Tottenham are adjusting to and, in this game, they benefited with a goal but they also conceded when they could not apply it properly. They have conceded similar goals in previous game and they will probably concede more until they completely get the hang of this new way of defending.
3. Referee Jonathan Moss was in a generous mood on his birthday
This game was played on referee Moss’ 44th birthday and the match official’s errors suggested he wanted plenty of goals to celebrate. The first penalty for Manchester City was a soft one and the penalty for Spurs came from a foul outside the area.
4. This was a good game for aspiring goalkeepers
The result was a strange one from the goalkeepers’ perspective as they two of the best three players in the game. Hugo Lloris could have conceded seven goals from Aguero alone but he produced a couple of top class saves.
Joe Hart was also tested with good shots but he also proved why he is among the very best in the game as he spread his body well. Both keepers saved penalties and positioned themselves well to comfortably save long range shots without unnecessarily diving.
5. Spurs have a growing problem up front
It would be harsh to say Roberto Soldado had a poor performance; he tested Hart with a couple of good attempts but he lacked confidence. He won a penalty when his side was 2-1 down and the way he took his spot kick clearly showed his lack of confidence.
He did not hit the ball with enough pace to beat the keeper as he seemed overly concerned with getting it on target. Emmanuel Adebayor, who was not fit to start this game, is also struggling for form and Harry Kane is not ready to be the main man who will take Spurs into top four.
Top goalscorer Nacer Chadli is quite confident in his play but he is needed in midfield.
