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What would’ve happened at Tottenham each year if Man City didn’t break the rules

Tottenham never won a major trophy in the 2010s under Mauricio Pochettino, so how different would history be had it not been for Man City's cheating?

Published: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 9:19 AM
What would’ve happened at Tottenham each year if Man City didn’t break the rules
Key Things to Know
  • Hotspur HQ argues Tottenham Hotspur were heavily disadvantaged by Manchester City's alleged rule-breaking from 2009 to 2018.
  • The writer claims Spurs potentially missed out on multiple Champions League qualifications due to Manchester City finishing above them.
  • Gray suggests Tottenham could have mounted stronger Premier League title challenges in campaigns like 2017/18 without Manchester City.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Hotspur HQ's Ben Gray examines how Tottenham Hotspur's history could have shifted following a hypothetical ruling against Manchester City for financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. Gray argues that Spurs were among the clubs most negatively affected by Manchester City's actions during that era, missing out on crucial Champions League qualifications and potential domestic silverware.

The piece highlights specific seasons, including fifth-place Premier League finishes in 2011, 2013, and 2015, where Manchester City's league position directly affected Tottenham. Gray also contends that Manchester City's market spending impacted later campaigns, including Tottenham's 2021 Carabao Cup final defeat.

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