These two teams kicked off the campaign with convincing victories, as Tottenham dispatched Burnley 3-0 and City went one better by brushing aside Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0.
The hosts, in front of their own supporters, entered the match as favourites, but Tottenham’s record of just one defeat in their past four matches in the blue half of Manchester suggested they would be no pushovers. And so it proved in a first half that went the way of the visitors.
After Pedro Porro’s early shot into the side netting, City moved into the ascendancy, with Omar Marmoush playing a starring role.
The Egypt international's first shot narrowly wide before seeing two efforts saved by Guglielmo Vicario, the second of which was a clever stop as the former Eintracht Frankfurt man bore down on goal.
Spurs’ appointment of the more pragmatic Thomas Frank to replace attack-minded Ange Postecoglou meant they initially looked to absorb pressure and strike on the counter, a tactic which ultimately led to the first goal.
A Mohamed Kudus flick-on allowed Richarlison to break free and play across for Brennan Johnson, who swept home with aplomb.
Shortly after, Tottenham were two to the good, although the goal on this occasion was of City’s own making.
Despite high pressure from the Spurs front line, James Trafford attempted to play a short pass, and after possession was won back by Richarlison, Joao Palhinha hammered into the back of the net for his first Tottenham goal.
Entering the break in a commanding position, Spurs deployed the same game plan in the second half with less offensive success.
Still, had Johnson utilised a teammate instead of shooting himself following a swift move forward, Tottenham may have had extra breathing space.
However, it didn’t look like they needed it as Pep Guardiola’s men struggled to cause Vicario any real problems.
As the match approached its climax, City enjoyed increasing possession.
Yet Tottenham’s backline stood strong, keeping the Citizens’ talented array of attackers quiet. All in all, this was a surprisingly comfortable afternoon’s work for Frank’s men, who have now picked up a maximum six points from six without conceding a goal.
City, meanwhile, still do not look like the team they once were, with their frailties exploited by a side that is one of Guardiola’s bogey teams; against no other side has he lost more matches (10) as a manager than the London-based team.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur)
