Analysing Spurs ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash | OneFootball

Taking a statistical, in-depth look at Tottenham Hotspur…

We welcome Thomas Frank’s side to the Etihad Stadium in a 12:30 (UK) kick-off on Saturday.

Both sides enjoyed positive starts to the campaign last weekend, with City putting four past Wolves and Spurs recording a 3-0 defeat of newly promoted Burnley.

Here’s more, with the help of Opta data, on what to expect from Spurs…

2024/25 form

2024/25 was famously a season of contrasts for Spurs, finishing 17th in the Premier League but also winning the Europa League and therefore earning a place in this year’s Champions League.

Their 22 defeats from 38 games in the Premier League last term is actually the most of any side not to be relegated.

WATCH: OUR LAST 10 - SPURS (H) WIDE

That form garnered 38 points, with 11 victories and five draws.

They lost five of their final six Premier League away games in 2024/25, although they haven’t lost a league game on the road in the month of August since 2015.

This season has started better of course, with plenty of change afoot since former boss Ange Postecoglou left north London in the summer.

Preferred formation

Spurs lined up with an attacking 4-3-3 in last week’s defeat of Burnley, similarly to how they set up under Postecoglou.

Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pape Sarr made up a very young, energetic midfield with wingers Brennan Johnson and Mohammed Kudus in support of Brazil’s Richarlison.

Argentina’s World Cup winner Cristian Romero has now been made captain and played next to Micky van de Ven at the heart of the defence in a partnership that could rival many of the Premier League’s best on its day.

Transfer activity

The key change at Spurs this summer came outside of the playing squad, with manager Ange Postecoglou making way for Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

On the pitch, two long-serving stars have left – with Son Heung-min and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg going to LA FC and Marseille respectively.

Last season’s loanees Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel became permanent members of the squad while West Ham winger Kudus grabbed the most headlines when he arrived last month.

Joao Palhinha, the former Fulham defensive midfielder, has also arrived on loan from Bayern Munich.

Manager

Before his move to Spurs, Thomas Frank was the Premier League’s second longest serving manager after almost seven years as Brentford’s boss.

He took charge of 153 Premier League games as manager of the Bees, winning 55 times and picking up 38 draws as he turned them into top-flight regulars.

Frank’s Brentford played eight times against City with the Dane in charge, winning twice.

Before Brentford, Frank was manager at one of Denmark’s biggest clubs – Brondby – for three years between 2013 and 2016.

Physio room

Spurs were without several of their favoured midfielders last week and it appears unlikely that trio will be back for this one.

James Maddison ruptured his ACL in his right knee during pre-season while Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma are expected back sooner than the England international.

Full-back Destiny Udogie and winger Manor Solomon are also nearing returns.

As always, we won’t know for sure until the teams are announced 75 minutes before kick-off!

How they score their goals

Given Spurs’ change of manager in the summer, the expectation is that they will also alter their style of play as Frank gets his feet under the desk.

Despite finishing 17th, Spurs’ haul of 64 goals in 2024/25 was more than 12 sides in the Premier League and as many as fourth-placed Chelsea.

Frank’s Brentford were also quite prolific, with only four teams netting more than their 66.

All three strikes last week came from inside the box, with Frank instructing his side to provide plentiful crosses from the byline for Richarlison.

Frank’s Brentford team became famed for their use of set pieces, including free-kicks, corners and throw-ins.

How they defend

Spurs’ method of defending under Postecoglou was often to push as high as possible and pressure teams deep into their own half.

Their 65 goals conceded was only better than relegated sides Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester, as well as 16th-placed Wolves.

Frank’s Brentford let in 57 goals last season, which again was more than many of their most direct rivals.

This season started well defensively for both sides last week, with City and Spurs amongst the nine teams yet to concede in this year’s Premier League.

Head-to-head at the Etihad

Spurs are one of very few sides to enjoy a strong record against City, with the Blues winning just four of our last 12 Premier League games home and away against them.

That includes two wins in their last four visits to the Etihad for Spurs, which is more than they did in their previous 11 visits combined.

Following their 4-0 victory here last season, they’re looking for consecutive wins away at City for the first time since May 2010.

In total, City have won 11 of the 28 Premier League games against Spurs we’ve hosted, with our visitors winning 12 and five ending in draws.