Manchester City's troubles from last season were exposed once more in a humbling 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday (Aug 23) that raised questions over their quest to regain the Premier League title. Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge. City's run of four consecutive titles came to a spectacular end last season as they finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal.&nbsp;A 4-0 thrashing of Wolves on the opening weekend of the campaign showed glimpses of a new-look City back to their best. However, a series of defensive issues remain unresolved, while manager Pep Guardiola must decide on who will be his number one goalkeeper going forward after a day to forget for James Trafford.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/durand-cup-final-northeast-united-fc-are-crowned-champions-beat-diamond-harbour-fc-6-1-to-successfully-defend-title-1755955047110">Durand Cup final: NorthEast United FC are crowned champions; beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend title</a>&nbsp;The England international retained his place in goal despite the return to fitness of Ederson. The Brazilian is reportedly on the verge of joining Turkish giants Galatasaray, which would free up City to make a move for out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain 'keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.&nbsp;City's failure to get those deals done before the final week of the transfer window came back to haunt them in a familiar tale for Guardiola's men against Tottenham.&nbsp;In the last 13 Premier League meetings between the sides, City have won just four despite several changes of management at Spurs in that time.Frank is the latest man in the Tottenham dugout and has made a highly impressive start.&nbsp;Spurs were minutes away from beating PSG in the UEFA Super Cup before losing on penalties, and have taken maximum points from their opening two Premier League games without conceding.&nbsp;Omar Marmoush's return was one of two City changes as Ballon d'Or winner Rodri had to settle for a place on the bench. Marmoush flashed a shot across goal and was then denied by Guglielmo Vicario with City's best chance before conceding. City's high-line was easily exposed in an embarrassing early exit from the Club World Cup to Saudi side Al-Hilal last month, and is an issue Guardiola still has to resolve.&nbsp;Tottenham took the lead on 35 minutes when Mohammed Kudus fed Richarlison, and he squared for Johnson to power past Trafford. An offside flag briefly halted Spurs' joy until a VAR review showed the slipping Ruben Dias had played Richarlison onside.&nbsp;City then completely lost their composure for the period before half-time.&nbsp;Trafford was fortunate to avoid being punished after rushing outside his box to block from Kudus. But the 22-year-old then endured a moment which might cost him the chance to be Guardiola's number one this season. Trafford's attempted pass to Nico Gonzalez inside his own box was intercepted by Pape Mate Sarr, and even though the goalkeeper recovered to deny Richarlison, Palhinha smashed home the rebound.&nbsp;Erling Haaland had the chance to reduce City's arrears in first-half stoppage time, but headed over to sum up a tough afternoon for the Norwegian.&nbsp;Spurs let a two-goal lead slip late on against PSG in Frank's first game in charge, but rarely looked in danger of suffering a similar fate.&nbsp;Haaland wasted City's other big opportunity to gain a foothold when he overhit a pass to Rayan Cherki with just Vicario to beat. But City fell to defeat with a whimper and could have been further punished on the counter-attack when Trafford made good saves to deny Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert in stoppage time.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge.

Manchester City's troubles from last season were exposed once more in a humbling 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday (Aug 23) that raised questions over their quest to regain the Premier League title. Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge. City's run of four consecutive titles came to a spectacular end last season as they finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal. A 4-0 thrashing of Wolves on the opening weekend of the campaign showed glimpses of a new-look City back to their best. However, a series of defensive issues remain unresolved, while manager Pep Guardiola must decide on who will be his number one goalkeeper going forward after a day to forget for James Trafford. Also read | Durand Cup final: NorthEast United FC are crowned champions; beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend title The England international retained his place in goal despite the return to fitness of Ederson. The Brazilian is reportedly on the verge of joining Turkish giants Galatasaray, which would free up City to make a move for out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain 'keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. City's failure to get those deals done before the final week of the transfer window came back to haunt them in a familiar tale for Guardiola's men against Tottenham. In the last 13 Premier League meetings between the sides, City have won just four despite several changes of management at Spurs in that time. Frank is the latest man in the Tottenham dugout and has made a highly impressive start. Spurs were minutes away from beating PSG in the UEFA Super Cup before losing on penalties, and have taken maximum points from their opening two Premier League games without conceding. Omar Marmoush's return was one of two City changes as Ballon d'Or winner Rodri had to settle for a place on the bench. Marmoush flashed a shot across goal and was then denied by Guglielmo Vicario with City's best chance before conceding. City's high-line was easily exposed in an embarrassing early exit from the Club World Cup to Saudi side Al-Hilal last month, and is an issue Guardiola still has to resolve. Tottenham took the lead on 35 minutes when Mohammed Kudus fed Richarlison, and he squared for Johnson to power past Trafford. An offside flag briefly halted Spurs' joy until a VAR review showed the slipping Ruben Dias had played Richarlison onside. City then completely lost their composure for the period before half-time. Trafford was fortunate to avoid being punished after rushing outside his box to block from Kudus. But the 22-year-old then endured a moment which might cost him the chance to be Guardiola's number one this season. Trafford's attempted pass to Nico Gonzalez inside his own box was intercepted by Pape Mate Sarr, and even though the goalkeeper recovered to deny Richarlison, Palhinha smashed home the rebound. Erling Haaland had the chance to reduce City's arrears in first-half stoppage time, but headed over to sum up a tough afternoon for the Norwegian. Spurs let a two-goal lead slip late on against PSG in Frank's first game in charge, but rarely looked in danger of suffering a similar fate. Haaland wasted City's other big opportunity to gain a foothold when he overhit a pass to Rayan Cherki with just Vicario to beat. But City fell to defeat with a whimper and could have been further punished on the counter-attack when Trafford made good saves to deny Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert in stoppage time. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge.

Premier League: Spurs sink Manchester City to go on top of standings after two games

The Premier League is all set for a blockbuster weekend as Tottenham Hotspur travel to Manchester City on Saturday (Aug 23) early kick-off. A fixture that has served well for the Premier League fans, both City and Spurs will look to entertain in their latest meeting at the Etihad Stadium. While eyes will be on Man City’s new signings, Spurs will look to continue their impressive record in Manchester, having beaten both United and Saturday’s hosts last season. Ahead of the upcoming Saturday fixture, here are all the details, including Kick-off time, how to watch, team news and prediction.<h2>Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview</h2>Both City and Spurs have spent significant cash throughout the course of the summer transfer window with Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and other key additions. Spurs, on the other hand, splashed the cash on Mohammed Kudus and then turned the loan of Mathys Tel into a permanent transfer. So we can expect plenty of fireworks when it comes to the attacking departments of both sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h2>When will the Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash kick off?</h2>The Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash will kick start at 5:00 PM IST (12:30 PM local time).<h2>Which platform will broadcast the Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash in India?</h2>The Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network on Star Sports Select HD1 in India.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a><h2>Which platform will live-stream the Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash in India?</h2>The Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app in India.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a><h2>Other key details</h2>Venue:&nbsp;Etihad Stadium, Manchester.Referee:&nbsp;Peter Bankes.VAR:&nbsp;Andy Madley.<h2>Team News</h2><h3>Manchester City</h3>Josko Gvardiol, D, knock, doubtMateo Kovacic, M, achilles tendon, out until early OctoberPhil Foden, M, ankle, doubtRodri, M, muscle injury, return date not knownSavinho, F, knock, doubt<h3>Tottenham Hotspur</h3>Dejan Kulusevski, M, knee, out until mid SeptemberDestiny Udogie, D, muscle injury, doubtJames Maddison, M, ACL, out until 2026Radu Dragusin, D, ACL, out until NovemberManor Solomon, F, knock, doubt<h2>Probable Starting XI</h2><h3>Manchester City (4-3-3)</h3>GK: James TraffordRB: Rico Lewis | CB: John Stones | CB: Ruben Dias | LB: Rayan Ait-NouriCM: Tijjani Reijnders | CDM: Nico Gonzalez | CM: Bernardo SilvaRW: Oscar Bobb | CF: Erling Haaland | LW: Jeremy Doku<h3>Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)</h3>GK: Guglielmo VicarioRB: Pedro Porro | CB: Cristian Romero | CB: Micky van de Ven | LB: Djed SpenceCDM: Pape Matar Sarr | CDM: Archie GrayRW: Mohammed Kudus | CAM: Lucas Bergvall | LW: Brennan JohnsonCF: Richarlison<h2>Prediction</h2>Considering Tottenham’s recent away performances at the Etihad Stadium we are predicting a 2-1 away win.&nbsp;

In last season’s clash between the two sides at the Etihad, City’s dip in form was on full display as they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Spurs, with James Maddison netting twice.

The Premier League is all set for a blockbuster weekend as Tottenham Hotspur travel to Manchester City on Saturday (Aug 23) early kick-off. A fixture that has served well for the Premier League fans, both City and Spurs will look to entertain in their latest meeting at the Etihad Stadium. While eyes will be on Man City’s new signings, Spurs will look to continue their impressive record in Manchester, having beaten both United and Saturday’s hosts last season. Ahead of the upcoming Saturday fixture, here are all the details, including Kick-off time, how to watch, team news and prediction. Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview Both City and Spurs have spent significant cash throughout the course of the summer transfer window with Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and other key additions. Spurs, on the other hand, splashed the cash on Mohammed Kudus and then turned the loan of Mathys Tel into a permanent transfer. So we can expect plenty of fireworks when it comes to the attacking departments of both sides. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) When will the Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash kick off? The Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash will kick start at 5:00 PM IST (12:30 PM local time). Which platform will broadcast the Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash in India? The Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network on Star Sports Select HD1 in India. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out Which platform will live-stream the Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash in India? The Man City vs Spurs Premier League clash will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app in India. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Other key details Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Referee: Peter Bankes. VAR: Andy Madley. Team News Manchester City Josko Gvardiol, D, knock, doubt Mateo Kovacic, M, achilles tendon, out until early October Phil Foden, M, ankle, doubt Rodri, M, muscle injury, return date not known Savinho, F, knock, doubt Tottenham Hotspur Dejan Kulusevski, M, knee, out until mid September Destiny Udogie, D, muscle injury, doubt James Maddison, M, ACL, out until 2026 Radu Dragusin, D, ACL, out until November Manor Solomon, F, knock, doubt Probable Starting XI Manchester City (4-3-3) GK: James Trafford RB: Rico Lewis | CB: John Stones | CB: Ruben Dias | LB: Rayan Ait-Nouri CM: Tijjani Reijnders | CDM: Nico Gonzalez | CM: Bernardo Silva RW: Oscar Bobb | CF: Erling Haaland | LW: Jeremy Doku Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1) GK: Guglielmo Vicario RB: Pedro Porro | CB: Cristian Romero | CB: Micky van de Ven | LB: Djed Spence CDM: Pape Matar Sarr | CDM: Archie Gray RW: Mohammed Kudus | CAM: Lucas Bergvall | LW: Brennan Johnson CF: Richarlison Prediction Considering Tottenham’s recent away performances at the Etihad Stadium we are predicting a 2-1 away win.

In last season’s clash between the two sides at the Etihad, City’s dip in form was on full display as they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Spurs, with James Maddison netting twice.

Man City vs Spurs: All you need to know - Kick-off time, live streaming, team news, prediction and other key details

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said winning felt much better with fans in attendance after beating Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley to lift the League Cup for the fourth consecutive year in front of 8,000 supporters on Sunday.

Aymeric Laporte's header eight minutes from time finally rewarded a dominant performance from City as they extended Spurs' 13-year wait to win a trophy.

For the first time in 13 months, a football match in England had designated fans from both teams inside the stadium in one of a series of test events at the 90,000 capacity Wembley as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

"It's not full, but it is much better," said Guardiola. "To celebrate with them is much better.

"We played really well. We are incredibly happy to win the first title, four in a row in this competition, but especially because in the last 33 games, we won 30."

Defeat by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend means City cannot claim an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season.

However, they remain on course for a treble with the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain to come on Wednesday before possibly sealing the Premier League title next weekend.

Victory takes Guardiola's personal tally of major trophies to 25 across his spells in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, seven of which have come in England.

"I was in big clubs: Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here, that's why it is easier to do it," added the Catalan modestly.

By contrast, Tottenham's long wait for just one goes on. Spurs could have no complaints, though, at the end of a chaotic week that saw them sack Jose Mourinho on Monday and, along with City and four other English clubs, pull out of a proposed European Super League amid fan fury.

Son Heung-min was reduced to tears after full-time, but in caretaker boss Ryan Mason's second game in charge, Spurs were completely outclassed by a far superior side.

"It's difficult to take for everyone associated with the football club," said former Tottenham midfielder Mason.

"It hurts. I know that feeling and it is normal that they are hurting. This group of players care deeply about this football club. We tried, it wasn't enough today and it's tough to take."

After a slight dip in form in recent weeks, City were back to their best as they pinned Tottenham back from the first whistle and should have won by a far more comfortable scoreline.

Hugo Lloris's goal lived a charmed life, particularly during the first half.

Raheem Sterling saw a goalbound effort blocked by Toby Alderweireld before Lloris made a stunning save from point-blank range to turn behind Phil Foden's shot.

A Sterling dink over Lloris then spun just wide before Riyad Mahrez twice flashed powerful efforts inches off target.

Despite Harry Kane's recovery from an ankle injury to start, Tottenham had offered nothing as an attacking threat until Giovani Lo Celso forced Zack Steffen into a fine save a minute into the second half.

The majority of the chances continued to come at the other end, but the breakthrough came from an unlikely source as Laporte rose highest to head home Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick at the back post.

Spurs' energies were spent after conceding as they failed to muster any response to try and take the game to extra-time.

Mahrez had a second goal ruled out for offside in stoppage time.

But one goal was enough to ensure City move level with Liverpool on a record eight League Cup triumphs, six of which have come in the last eight years.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said winning felt much better with fans in attendance after beating Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley to lift the League Cup for the fourth consecutive year in front of 8,000 supporters on Sunday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said winning felt much better with fans in attendance after beating Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley to lift the League Cup for the fourth consecutive year in front of 8,000 supporters on Sunday. Aymeric Laporte's header eight minutes from time finally rewarded a dominant performance from City as they extended Spurs' 13-year wait to win a trophy. For the first time in 13 months, a football match in England had designated fans from both teams inside the stadium in one of a series of test events at the 90,000 capacity Wembley as coronavirus restrictions are eased. "It's not full, but it is much better," said Guardiola. "To celebrate with them is much better. "We played really well. We are incredibly happy to win the first title, four in a row in this competition, but especially because in the last 33 games, we won 30." Defeat by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend means City cannot claim an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season. However, they remain on course for a treble with the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain to come on Wednesday before possibly sealing the Premier League title next weekend. Victory takes Guardiola's personal tally of major trophies to 25 across his spells in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, seven of which have come in England. "I was in big clubs: Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here, that's why it is easier to do it," added the Catalan modestly. By contrast, Tottenham's long wait for just one goes on. Spurs could have no complaints, though, at the end of a chaotic week that saw them sack Jose Mourinho on Monday and, along with City and four other English clubs, pull out of a proposed European Super League amid fan fury. Son Heung-min was reduced to tears after full-time, but in caretaker boss Ryan Mason's second game in charge, Spurs were completely outclassed by a far superior side. "It's difficult to take for everyone associated with the football club," said former Tottenham midfielder Mason. "It hurts. I know that feeling and it is normal that they are hurting. This group of players care deeply about this football club. We tried, it wasn't enough today and it's tough to take." After a slight dip in form in recent weeks, City were back to their best as they pinned Tottenham back from the first whistle and should have won by a far more comfortable scoreline. Hugo Lloris's goal lived a charmed life, particularly during the first half. Raheem Sterling saw a goalbound effort blocked by Toby Alderweireld before Lloris made a stunning save from point-blank range to turn behind Phil Foden's shot. A Sterling dink over Lloris then spun just wide before Riyad Mahrez twice flashed powerful efforts inches off target. Despite Harry Kane's recovery from an ankle injury to start, Tottenham had offered nothing as an attacking threat until Giovani Lo Celso forced Zack Steffen into a fine save a minute into the second half. The majority of the chances continued to come at the other end, but the breakthrough came from an unlikely source as Laporte rose highest to head home Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick at the back post. Spurs' energies were spent after conceding as they failed to muster any response to try and take the game to extra-time. Mahrez had a second goal ruled out for offside in stoppage time. But one goal was enough to ensure City move level with Liverpool on a record eight League Cup triumphs, six of which have come in the last eight years.

Man City outclass Tottenham to retain League Cup in front of 8,000 fans

Treble-chasing Manchester City face a Tottenham side desperate to end their trophy drought in the League Cup final as two members of the failed European Super League clash at Wembley on Sunday.

Just seven days after the bombshell revelation that City and Tottenham were among 12 clubs plotting the breakaway Super League, they will contest the first major silverware of the English season.

Alarmed by the furious public backlash against the Super League, City's Abu Dhabi-based owners were the first to lose their nerve when they pulled out on Tuesday.

City's exit sparked a chain reaction that saw Tottenham withdraw along with fellow Premier League teams Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

The tournament was dead in the water only 48 hours after its launch.

But amid grovelling apologies from owners, supporters remain furious at the cynical betrayal and there have been calls for sanctions against the six Premier League teams.

Against that explosive backdrop, it is ironic the League Cup will be the focus of attention for two of the Super League founders this weekend.

If the competition -- effectively a closed-shop replacement for the Champions League -- had gone ahead, it was said the increased midweek fixture list could have killed off the League Cup.

Given both clubs would gladly have turned their backs on the League Cup forever, it would be no surprise if there are protesters and dissenting voices among the 8,000 fans allowed into Wembley this weekend.

But for City manager Pep Guardiola and Tottenham caretaker boss Ryan Mason the goal in the build-up to the final has been keeping their players focused on the pitch rather than letting the Super League furore distract them.

After beating Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday, City need eight points from their last five league games to win the English title for a third time in four seasons.

On Wednesday, they take on&nbsp;Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

"We deserve to be there. The final every team wants to win and we will travel to London to do a good game and win the title," Guardiola said.

"The Aston Villa game showed we were ready and we'll be ready on Sunday."

<h2>- Wounded Spurs -</h2>

There was good news for Guardiola on Friday when Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, injured in last weekend's quadruple-ending FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea, and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero, sidelined by a muscle problem, were both declared fit after returning to training.

Tottenham arrive at Wembley wounded by a week that saw Jose Mourinho sacked on Monday, just days after Harry Kane suffered the latest in a long line of ankle injures.

Kane missed Tottenham's 2-1 win over Southampton in the first match of the post-Mourinho era on Wednesday and is not certain to return after failing to train on Friday.

Mourinho's dismissal was triggered by his failure to mount a top-four challenge, while his strained relations with several senior players including Gareth Bale proved debilitating.

"Maybe just to be on the front foot a bit more," Bale said pointedly when asked what might change after Mourinho's exit.

"We want to attack. We're a big team with big players."

At just 29, Mason's unexpected promotion from his role in Tottenham's youth academy makes him the youngest manager in Premier League history.

The former Tottenham midfielder only went into coaching after his playing career was prematurely ended when he suffered a fractured skull playing for Hull in 2017.

Now Mason has a chance to lead the club he supported as a boy to their first trophy since the 2008 League Cup.

At a time when a cabal of greedy owners risked alienating their core audience with the cold-hearted Super League plan, the sight of Mason with his hands on the League Cup trophy would reinforce football's redemptive powers.

Treble-chasing Manchester City face a Tottenham side desperate to end their trophy drought in the League Cup final as two members of the failed European Super League clash at Wembley on Sunday.

Treble-chasing Manchester City face a Tottenham side desperate to end their trophy drought in the League Cup final as two members of the failed European Super League clash at Wembley on Sunday. Just seven days after the bombshell revelation that City and Tottenham were among 12 clubs plotting the breakaway Super League, they will contest the first major silverware of the English season. Alarmed by the furious public backlash against the Super League, City's Abu Dhabi-based owners were the first to lose their nerve when they pulled out on Tuesday. City's exit sparked a chain reaction that saw Tottenham withdraw along with fellow Premier League teams Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. The tournament was dead in the water only 48 hours after its launch. But amid grovelling apologies from owners, supporters remain furious at the cynical betrayal and there have been calls for sanctions against the six Premier League teams. Against that explosive backdrop, it is ironic the League Cup will be the focus of attention for two of the Super League founders this weekend. If the competition -- effectively a closed-shop replacement for the Champions League -- had gone ahead, it was said the increased midweek fixture list could have killed off the League Cup. Given both clubs would gladly have turned their backs on the League Cup forever, it would be no surprise if there are protesters and dissenting voices among the 8,000 fans allowed into Wembley this weekend. But for City manager Pep Guardiola and Tottenham caretaker boss Ryan Mason the goal in the build-up to the final has been keeping their players focused on the pitch rather than letting the Super League furore distract them. After beating Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday, City need eight points from their last five league games to win the English title for a third time in four seasons. On Wednesday, they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg. "We deserve to be there. The final every team wants to win and we will travel to London to do a good game and win the title," Guardiola said. "The Aston Villa game showed we were ready and we'll be ready on Sunday." - Wounded Spurs - There was good news for Guardiola on Friday when Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, injured in last weekend's quadruple-ending FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea, and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero, sidelined by a muscle problem, were both declared fit after returning to training. Tottenham arrive at Wembley wounded by a week that saw Jose Mourinho sacked on Monday, just days after Harry Kane suffered the latest in a long line of ankle injures. Kane missed Tottenham's 2-1 win over Southampton in the first match of the post-Mourinho era on Wednesday and is not certain to return after failing to train on Friday. Mourinho's dismissal was triggered by his failure to mount a top-four challenge, while his strained relations with several senior players including Gareth Bale proved debilitating. "Maybe just to be on the front foot a bit more," Bale said pointedly when asked what might change after Mourinho's exit. "We want to attack. We're a big team with big players." At just 29, Mason's unexpected promotion from his role in Tottenham's youth academy makes him the youngest manager in Premier League history. The former Tottenham midfielder only went into coaching after his playing career was prematurely ended when he suffered a fractured skull playing for Hull in 2017. Now Mason has a chance to lead the club he supported as a boy to their first trophy since the 2008 League Cup. At a time when a cabal of greedy owners risked alienating their core audience with the cold-hearted Super League plan, the sight of Mason with his hands on the League Cup trophy would reinforce football's redemptive powers.

Man City, Spurs clash in League Cup final after Super League debacle

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Premier League: Spurs sink Manchester City to go on top of standings after two games

Man City vs Spurs: All you need to know - Kick-off time and other key details

Man City outclass Tottenham to retain League Cup in front of 8,000 fans

Man City, Spurs clash in League Cup final after Super League debacle