Rayan Ait-Nouri limped off in the 23rd minute of Manchester City's home match after initially receiving treatment in the 15th minute. He had been signed from Wolves ahead of the Club World Cup for a reported fee of £31.8 million with £5.2 million in potential bonuses and had made his Premier League debut in City's 4-0 win at Wolves. Nathan Ake replaced Ait-Nouri. Tottenham scored twice in the first half through Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha after defensive lapses. Nico Gonzalez's poor pass led to a turnover and Palhinha's deflected finish. The injury increases defensive concerns for Pep Guardiola.
Ait-Nouri was signed from Wolves ahead of the Club World Cup for a reported fee of £31.8 million with £5.2 million in potential bonuses. He made his Premier League debut in City's emphatic 4-0 win at his former club Wolves last Saturday. But the Algeria international could now be looking at a spell on the sidelines after he was forced off in the 23rd minute of his home debut at the Etihad Stadium.
In Ait-Nouri's absence, Tottenham carved open the City defence for the opening goal. Mohammed Kudus flicked a long ball forward into the path of Richarlison down the right flank, and the Brazilian's low cross was emphatically dispatched by Johnson. Things got worse for City in first-half stoppage time when Nico Gonzalez played a poor ball to goalkeeper James Trafford, whose pass was intercepted as Pape Sarr diverted the ball into the path of Richarlison.
Ait-Nouri initially received treatment after dropping to the turf in the 15th minute. He attempted to carry on but was then eventually substituted and replaced by Nathan Ake, who has been linked with a move away from the club. After an opening game in which City looked like title contenders, the first half of their maiden home match of the new season displayed their vulnerabilities, with Ait-Nouri's injury potentially presenting Pep Guardiola with a significant headache at the back.
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