Palhinha prouder of ‘team mentality’ than his own ‘special moment’ at City | OneFootball

Imagine scoring your first goal for Spurs on your first start to secure a win at Manchester City... Palhinha did just that, but he explained he was prouder of team’s mentality in the 2-0 win then of his own vital contribution.

Joao provided that extra layer of protection alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in an outstanding midfield display that saw Pape Matar Sarr pushed slightly further forward and a constant thorn in City’s side.

Indeed, it was no surprise to see the Senegal star involved in both goals – his flick sent Richarlison away to set up for opener for Brennan Johnson on 35 minutes and then in first half injury time, Joao’s moment as Pape robbed Nico Gonzalez before Joao fired home for 2-0.

That’s how it stayed at the Etihad, with a couple of moments in the second half illustrating Joao’s view – first up, he made a superb block to deny Nathan Ake, celebrated like his goal, before Micky van de Ven’s block to deny Jeremy Doku – moments to delight Thomas Frank on the touchline.

Asked about his goal-den moment, Joao reflected: “It was a special moment for me, of course, returning to the Premier League and scoring a goal like this, it’s always special, and really important, but what I need to take from this game is the mentality of the team and the way that I saw my team-mates running behind, helping each other. This is what makes me more proud of this game, to be honest.

“For me, sometimes a tackle is more important or has the same importance as a goal. I remember this (mine), but I also remember the tackle that Micky did on a transition, and that kind of action is what makes the difference.

“At the end of the game, you know, you see that mentality, and this is why we push and push each other, because I think when we are like that, we are much closer to winning games.”