Nuno Espirito Santo hailed his forwards for stopping Manchester City’s defenders from building from the back as key to Tottenham’s first-day win on Sunday.
Spurs soaked up some early City pressure to grow into the game, score a second-half opener through Heung-min Son, and hold on to secure an impressive three points.
City had two or three great chances to open the scoring in the first half, but allowed Spurs back into the contest, and were left to rue mistakes at both ends as they suffered a fourth defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Explaining how Spurs were able to stop City’s bright start, boss Nuno told Sky Sports: “It was strong. We were lucky because they had chances but the boys held on and they stayed in the game. We knew it would be tough.
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“After that first 20 minutes we did better and we started getting our chances. In the first half we didn’t finish so good. When we should have shot on goal we didn’t do it.”
Asked how impressed he was with defender Japhet Tanganga, Nuno took the opportunity to reveal how Spurs targeted City with their forwards.
“Not only him [Japhet Tanganga],” the boss continued.
“In terms of shape and our organisation the front three worked very hard and closed the gaps. It’s very difficult to play against City with the way they build the first moment from the back four and Fernandinho. It requires a lot of discipline so the boys did OK.”
Expanding on Spurs’ gameplan, matchwinner Son said: “We wanted to start well, first game of the season, with the fans. It was incredible, incredible performance.
“Everyone worked so hard to get the three points. City is the best team in the world, we fight for the three points. It means a lot to us for the season.
“We did a great job, we know City is a good team, one of the best in the world. We prepare really well. We showed on the pitch we did a great job. We expected them to be [dangerous] and we did amazing.”
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