Under-23s sink City at new stadium

Troy Parrott won't forget Friday 16 August, 2019, in a hurry.

The 17-year-old marked the day he was called into the senior Republic of Ireland squad with two goals including a strike to remember - his first at the new stadium - to pave the way for an impressive victory over Manchester City in the Premier League 2.

Paris Maghoma matched Parrott's effort with a wonderful curler from 22 yards to put us in the driving seat at half-time before Parrott's penalty put us beyond reach at 3-0 on 54 minutes. City scored a late consolation but the night belonged to the team in white as they made it two wins out of two at the start of the Premier League 2 campaign and a win in their first match at our new home.

Both teams were comfortable in possession and popped the ball around in the early exchanges, but clear-cut chances were at a premium. Tashan Oakley-Boothe had the clearest sight of goal on 17 minutes, played in by Dilan Markanday, his shot from the right angle blocked by City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's legs.

Parrott's moment arrived on 36 minutes. Markanday was involved again, sliding in a pass from the right and the striker dipped his shoulder, turned and pinged a left-foot curler into the top corner from 16 yards.

What a finish, @troyparrott9! 👌#PL2 ⚪ #COYS pic.twitter.com/tNXK7KbxJV

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 16, 2019

Markanday almost played in Shilow Tracey before Maghoma doubled our lead with a fine strike in added time. Tracey got away down the left, weighed up his options and laid the ball back to Maghoma who didn't break stride in whipping a curler away from Bazunu from left of centre into the top right corner from 25 yards.

Pinpoint from Paris Maghoma! 🎯#PL2 ⚪ #COYS pic.twitter.com/ifKx3OxUq7

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 16, 2019

The players went for the jugular at the start of the second half. Parrott hit the inside of the post and Bazunu did well to turn away Harvey White's 30-yard free-kick.

You felt a third goal was imminent and it arrived on 54 minutes. Tracey takes the credit after his pure strength took him past two defenders into the box. The third defender brought him down and Parrott made no mistake from the penalty spot. The only pity was seeing Parrott limp off injured just after the hour.

City had rarely threatened with Japhet Tanganga and TJ Eyoma leading a strong defensive display but pulled a goal back on 83 minutes when Nabil Zoubdi Touaizi's low drive took a slight deflection and skidded off the surface into the bottom corner.

At the other end, Tracey, Markanday and the impressive Jamie Bowden all fired wide and White was denied again by Bazunu from a carbon-copy free-kick two minutes from time.

Key moment

It's a tough call between Parrott's opener and Maghoma's strike for 2-0 but you have to go for the first goal. Clear-cut chances were few and far between up to then - and this could hardly be described as a clear-cut chance - but Parrott's finish was first-class, Maghoma's matched it and that paved the way for a such a positive start to the second half. That ultimately led to the third goal and we were home.

Coach’s view

Under-23s Coach Wayne Burnett said: “I’m really pleased with our performance and the intensity that we played with. We came in at half-time deservedly 2-0 up, we lacked a little bit of concentration at times in possession but saying that, some of our play was very good. We made a few adjustments at half-time, went out and dominated the second half. Looking at the stats – shots on target, shots, penalty box entries – we were very good. I’m disappointed that we conceded the goal that we did, but overall we were worthy winners.

“Troy has come in and scored two goals. He took his first goal very well but he certainly won’t get above himself. He’s a very level-headed young man but I’m pleased for him and the other players that they could come here to play at this wonderful stadium and give a good account of themselves.

“The second goal actually came from Paris winning the ball back. He sent Shilow wide, he attacked against the full-back and he’s given Paris an inviting pass, the weight of that was very good and he’s finished it very well. We came in at 2-0, that gave us the impetus a little bit and in the second half we ran out worthy winners. I’m really pleased that we’ve started the season so well.”

Match data

Goals: Spurs - Parrott 36, 54 (pen), Maghoma 45+1; City - Touaizi 83.

Yellow cards: City - Touaizi 85, Frimpomg 88.

Referee: Matthew Russell.

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Weather: Overcast, 18 degrees at kick-off, rain later.

Attendance: 5,731.