2 Tottenham wonderful players leave Gary Neville amazed in 4-0 Man City thrashing

Gary Neville found himself in a dilemma as Tottenham Hotspur delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over a faltering Manchester City, leaving the Sky Sports pundit almost unable to choose between two standout performers:

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison. Both players were instrumental in what has been hailed as the most thrilling performance of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure, showcasing moments of brilliance that captivated the Etihad Stadium.

Kulusevski, with his dazzling footwork and exquisite delivery, played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s early dominance. His pinpoint cross set up Maddison’s opening goal in the 13th minute, an outcome that seemed inevitable given the sheer quality of the delivery.

Maddison, in turn, displayed clinical precision, doubling his tally just seven minutes later with a sublime finish after a fluid combination with Heung-Min Son. The duo dismantled City’s defense with ease, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side visibly rattled.

Kulusevski’s influence didn’t wane as the match progressed. He once again sliced through City’s bewildered defense in the lead-up to Pedro Porro’s emphatic strike in the second half.

Later, substitute Timo Werner, exploiting Kyle Walker’s struggles, set up Brennan Johnson for a stoppage-time fourth goal that sealed City’s humiliation. It was a performance that highlighted Tottenham’s attacking fluidity and defensive organization, a testament to Postecoglou’s tactical acumen.

Neville, watching in awe, struggled to single out one player for the Man of the Match award. Reflecting on Kulusevski’s performance, he described the Swedish winger as “sensational,” praising the quality of his left-footed assist for Maddison’s opener.

“Absolutely brilliant,” Neville remarked. “The quality of Kulusevski’s delivery was wonderful.” Maddison’s second goal drew equal admiration, with Neville highlighting the Englishman’s composure and technical ability. “The control on his right and the dink on his left—it’s a thing of beauty. Tottenham have shocked the living daylights out of this stadium.”

Neville recalled a similar predicament in 2021 when he controversially awarded a joint Man of the Match honor to Phil Foden and Mo Salah during a thrilling 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Manchester City.

This time, however, he eventually settled on Maddison as the standout performer, citing the midfielder’s unexpected defensive contributions as the deciding factor. According to Neville, Maddison’s discipline and off-the-ball work in the second half were as impressive as his goals.

Postecoglou echoed Neville’s sentiments in his post-match press conference, lauding Maddison’s all-around performance. “You have to be outstanding against City, and Madders was great,” the Spurs manager said.

“He’s gone through a lean spell, but I never doubted his ability. I thought the kind of game we were expecting would suit him. We needed his ability to keep the ball in tight midfield areas.”

Postecoglou also took personal responsibility for ensuring Maddison reached his full potential, emphasizing his role in guiding players back to their best form.

Maddison’s performance vindicated that approach, combining his usual attacking flair with a newfound commitment to defensive duties. His versatility and adaptability were crucial in helping Tottenham dominate a City side that struggled to cope with their intensity and precision.

The win underscored Tottenham’s progress under Postecoglou and their ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite. It also marked a significant moment for Maddison, whose all-around display silenced any lingering doubts about his consistency. Kulusevski, meanwhile, reminded everyone of his ability to influence games at the highest level, providing a potent creative outlet on the wing.

For City, the result was another painful reminder of their recent struggles. Guardiola’s side, known for their dominance at home, appeared disjointed and vulnerable, unable to match Tottenham’s energy and cohesion. Defensive lapses and a lack of sharpness in midfield compounded their woes, leaving them with much to ponder as they look to regain their footing in the title race.

Tottenham’s victory was more than just three points—it was a statement. The team’s blend of attacking verve and defensive solidity highlighted their growing maturity under Postecoglou. With key players like Maddison and Kulusevski hitting peak form, Spurs have shown they can deliver on big occasions.

This performance will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they continue to navigate a competitive Premier League season. For Postecoglou, it was further evidence of the progress his side has made and a reaffirmation of the belief that Tottenham can aim higher this season.

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