Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table after a 1-0 win against Tottenham at Wembley on Monday night.
The game was played just a day after the NFL clash between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles graced the Wembley turf, which was far from ideal for a Premier League encounter.
Indeed, social media was soon awash with fans mocking the abject state of the playing surface, which looked more like frost-bitten turnip field that it did a national football stadium…
The Wembley pitch looks like it’s straight out of an MLS game from 1997. pic.twitter.com/b5bgni8GYn
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) 29 October 2018
“David Silva is at the 50, the 40, 30, the 20 , HE could go all the waaaaay.” Sorry couldn’t resist. #Wembley pic.twitter.com/KFtxwi9mtL
— Maximiliano Bretos (@mbretosESPN) 29 October 2018
On the plus side, the pitch markings at Wembley should lead to some incredibly accurate reporting of long-range shots… “a dipping volley from the 27.5 yard line…”
— Matthew Dunn (@MattDunnExpress) 29 October 2018
The visitors got off to a flying start, scoring after just six minutes.
Riyard Mahrez was the match winner for the Citizens, with the winger netting after great work from Raheem Sterling, who capitalised on a Kieran Trippier mistake.
City were the better side throughout, although the hosts did create a number of chances, with Harry Kane having a couple of attempts.
Late on, Erik Lamela had a great chance to level the scores for Spurs, after he was set up by Dele Alli.
However, the Argentine winger blasted over from just 10 yards out.
The game would end in a deserved win for Pep Guardiola’s side, who take first place in the table from Liverpool courtesy of goal difference.
As for Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham, they find themselves in fifth, a point behind rivals Arsenal.