Spurs delivered a spirited performance against Manchester City but ultimately suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Coming into the fixture on the back of three consecutive Premier League victories, Spurs aimed to extend their winning streak but struggled to convert their chances. An early goal from Erling Haaland proved to be the difference, securing all three points for City.
Despite the result, one of the most notable aspects of the game was the impressive display by young midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who earned significant praise from City manager Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola praises Lucas Bergvall
Guardiola highlighted the Swedish teenager’s impact, describing him as “unstoppable” when carrying the ball forward. The City boss acknowledged Tottenham’s high intensity and sharp attacking play, emphasizing Bergvall’s composure and control in midfield.
He also pointed out that Spurs remained highly competitive despite missing key defensive figures like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, which made the encounter even more demanding for his side.
In his post-match interview, Guardiola said (as quoted by Express):
“The pace of this team? Pfft, it is difficult. Maybe Liverpool [are better], but Bergvall, every time he has the ball and run, unstoppable. Spence and Pedro Porro, Udogie, [Dejan] Kulusevski, Son [Heung-min], an incredible physical team with a clear idea to play.
“They play really good and they play without [Cristian] Romero and [Micky] Van de Ven, two of maybe the best central defenders in the league. The game, it was open second half because we didn’t close the first.”
Bergvall’s performance against the defending champions underlined his growing influence in the squad. The 19-year-old was heavily involved in the game, registering 73 touches, completing 47 of 54 passes with an impressive 87% accuracy, and successfully delivering 3 out of 4 long balls. On the defensive end, he recorded seven key actions, made four ball recoveries, and won eight duels, showcasing his all-around capabilities in the midfield. (FotMob)
Since arriving in North London, Bergvall has made a strong impression in his debut season. Featuring in 34 matches across all competitions, he has contributed a goal and three assists while proving himself to be a vital component of Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup.
Although Tottenham were unable to secure a result, Guardiola’s admiration for Bergvall highlights the midfielder’s immense potential.
