Tottenham's James Maddison scores the opening goal during the English...

Tottenham's James Maddison scores the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Dave Thompson

MANCHESTER, England — Four-time defending champion Manchester City appears in trouble again after conceding two goals within 20 minutes of its Premier League game against Tottenham on Saturday, and trails 2-0 at halftime.

City, which went into the match at the Etihad Stadium on the back of a four-game losing streak, fell behind to two goals from James Maddison.

Manager Pep Guardiola had never lost four successive matches in his trophy-laden coaching career at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City.

Maddison scored in the 13th and 20th minutes.

City was five points behind league leader Liverpool before the game. Liverpool plays last-place Southampton on Sunday.

This was City's first game since announcing Guardiola would stay on for a further two years after extending his contract this week.

___

Tottenham's James Maddison, 2nd from right, scores the opening goal...

Tottenham's James Maddison, 2nd from right, scores the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Dave Thompson

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME