Tottenham duo did something against Man City that no one has replicated this season

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Spurs got the win over Man City a month ago, delivering another top performance at the Etihad.

As records at the Etihad go, Spurs have one of the best.

Last season, it was a 4-0 hammering in the away fixture, while this time around, goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha were enough to get Thomas Frank the win.

The defensive performance in that tie was as good as we have seen under the new Spurs boss, made sweeter by one achievement in particular.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero’s Man City performance hasn’t been topped

The centre-back pairing of Micky van de Ven and captain Cristian Romero was sorely missed last season, and their extended absences had a lot to do with Spurs being stuck in the bottom half.

During their outing at the Etihad, they managed to contain Erling Haaland, something no other team has managed this season.

The Norwegian’s goal record to start the season is nothing short of incredible, scoring in every game he has played except one, against Spurs. That’s something that can be used as a confidence-builder for the defensive duo, who have been immense to start the season.

It wasn’t just that they got off lucky, either. Haaland was limited to just one attempt, unheard of in a City home game.

Thomas Frank has to keep Romero and van de Ven healthy

Spurs were hit with an injury crisis last campaign that affected the squad from top to bottom.

But no absence was felt like that of the two starting central defenders, without whom Spurs looked like a Championship-level defence at times.

Ange Postecoglou was unfortunate to be hit with so many players falling out of fitness, and Frank will be eager to avoid a repeat under his watch.

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That could mean resting the pair in this week’s Carabao Cup action, though it’s more likely at least one will play given the lack of replacement options.

Frank needs to ensure no corners are being cut with either the Dutchman’s or the Argentinian’s recovery. If either of them goes down, it could bring the good times at Spurs to a screeching halt.