Gary Neville says Tottenham 'could get a bit of a doing' against Manchester City

The pundit fears Ange Postecoglou’s side are too open (Pictures: Getty / Sky Sports)

Gary Neville believes Tottenham could be on the end of a hiding when they travel to Manchester City next weekend despite a largely encouraging display in their defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The north Londoners suffered their third loss defeat despite taking an early lead, with Villa drawing level on the stroke of half-time through Pau Torres before Ollie Watkins grabbed the winner on the hour-mark.

But injury-hit Spurs, who fielded four full-backs in defence and a host of attackers, created plenty of chances, hit the post twice and netted three offside goals, and were ultimately undone by their profligacy.

Neville had expected Villa to beat Spurs and was surprised by how well Ange Postecoglou’s side played, though fears the same approach at the Etihad on Sunday could see them ripped apart.

‘Tottenham have been hit by injuries but they’ve also been hit by a little bit of what happened to Everton here [at Goodison Park vs Manchester United],’ he said on The Gary Neville Podcast.

‘They had so many chances in the first half to score two or three goals and didn’t. And then Villa came back.

‘I actually had Villa to win that game, I thought Villa would win, but not in the way in which it happened.

Spurs were unfortunate to lose against Villa (Picture: Getty)

‘I thought they would be more comfortable but Tottenham played well in parts. We watched the first half and that goal just before half-time was critical. Big moment obviously in the game.

‘But Spurs have got injuries, they’re still playing good football.

‘We’ve got the game next weekend, Manchester City vs Spurs, which will be very tough for Spurs because they’re quite open.

‘I think City could pull them apart if they’re not careful.

‘It will be interesting to see how Postecoglou’s team set up at City. I don’t think they’ll change too much – the way they play is the way they play.

‘That will mean it’s an interesting and exciting game, but they could get a bit of a doing if they’re not careful and if they don’t sort out their defensive work.’

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