GUARDIOLA PRAISES GREALISH DESPITE TOTTENHAM 1-O DEFEAT OF MANCHESTER CITY IN EPL OPENER

English Premier League reigning champion Manchester City were stun by Tottenham 1-0 without English captain Harry Kane who has been rumoured of interest from City. The defeat which is only the third time in Premier League history that the reigning champions have been beaten in their opening game of a campaign.

The Pep Guardiola led City team lacked cutting edge in the attack, in spite of dominating possession in the better part of the second half. With the array of City stars, they obviously looked vulnerable for their lack of precision in attack. The new signing 100m pounds Jack Grealish showed flashes of what to expect in the coming matches, but their closest to scoring was Algerian Tiyad Mahrez effort who sliced their best chance wide early in the first half.

Guardiola who was unimpressed with his team’s performance especially lacking the spark in the attack, said after the match.

“We have to be more precise in the simple things. Guardiola said. He added, according to Sky Sports “we need greater accuracy with our crosses. The result is not good but I’ve seen many things that can help us in the future”

Meanwhile, the new Tottenham boss, Nuno Espiro Santo continued his impressive coaching profile with the 1-0 victory over City and did set a proof of why Spurs can be a match for anyone in the elite division in England. French international Lucas Moura constantly pressured their opponent, while Netherland’s Steven Bergwijn created several scares where he exploited on transition at the opponent box and flanks. Spurs academy boy, 22 year old Japhet Tanganga, also did pretty well in the defense.

Nuno, played Son Heung –min in the central attacking position and he applauded him for his worthy performance for the much needed home win. The home fans too, were not left out as their responses on Son’s goal coupled with his combination with teammates in attack was appreciated at the stadium.

While, the City team will regroup for their next game at home against Norwich City, Pep Guardiola feels a lot is to learn from the match and praises new signing Grealish for his performance, though, he had an influence but got fouled a few times very early on as described by Pep, which his team were found at a disadvantage at early minute of the first half due to lack of precision and the later goal scored by Son.

“He’s a player who is so dangerous close to the box and he plays with real personality. He’ll be very important for us and I congratulate him for trying right up until the end.” Guardiola said.

In other matches, Chelsea won 3-0 against Crystal Palace, Everton claimed victories in their league opener for a bright start.