Man City’s Gabriel Jesus set the tone after just 22 minutes as Man City downed Tottenham 3-1 in their last meeting in April. Domestic ID:
The Wembley pitch took another battering in Sunday’s Eagles-Jaguars NFL match as the ground staff attempt to improve its condition ahead of Monday night’s clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Wembley has staged three consecutive weekends of NFL action since Tottenham hosted Cardiff on Oct. 6, and with Sunday’s match taking place after a solid spell of rain in London, the pitch is looking worse for wear.
The sidelines of the turf, where both teams stood during the action, looks as though it has badly torn up while the middle of the pitch has also weathered.
Ground staff started the recovery mission soon after the Eagles closed out their win over the Jaguars. With that match finishing at 16:30 GMT, the staff at Wembley have just over 24 hours to attempt to improve its condition ahead of the Premier League clash.
The pitch was initially damaged after Anthony Joshua’s fight against Alexander Povetkin on Sept. 22 and was then exposed to three consecutive weekends of NFL. Spurs originally planned to play Monday night’s match at their new home, but delays saw them revert back to their temporary Wembley ground.
During the week, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino joked the damaged pitch may upset Manchester City’s passing style, while Pep Guardiola said his side would adapt to whatever surface they face on Monday.
“It is what it is. I’m pretty sure that Tottenham have a good green keeper,” Guardiola said. “I think the Premier League doesn’t like it too much but it is what it is. Hopefully Tottenham can finish a stadium as quickly as possible but it is not necessary to complain about that.
“We have to adapt quickly, figure out that the pitch will not be in perfect conditions and adapt.”
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy announced on Friday the club will to play the remainder of their 2018 matches at Wembley, delaying the opening of the club’s new venue until next year.
“I wish I was able to confirm an exact opening date and fixture. However, in light of factors completely outside of our control, contractors missing deadlines and possible future unforeseen issues, we are naturally being cautious in respect of our timetable for our test events and official opening game,” Levy said in a statement.
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