Man City move close to history – thanks to an unlikely hero
- Man City moves closer to making history, thanks to an unlikely hero. Discover the key moments and standout performances that led to this milestone.
Amidst their roster of superstars, Manchester City witnessed the emergence of an unlikely hero who might play a pivotal role in their quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.
When he took off goalkeeper Ederson with City leading 1-0, Pep Guardiola made the correct decision. Ederson had taken a hard hit to the head in a clash with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero at the foot of his post.
Despite Ederson’s dissatisfaction with the decision, which was made based on the club doctor’s advise, his manager’s actions were entirely appropriate. Not only was he operating in the Brazilian goalkeeper’s best interests, but he also showed total faith in Stefan Ortega, who was named as his substitute.
And Ortega, who has excelled each time he has filled in for Ederson this season, might have sealed City’s sixth championship in seven years with a 21-minute cameo of the highest caliber.
Guardiola went right to Ortega after the final whistle went off and gave the German player a kiss on the cheek in appreciation for his vital contribution, as the team was just one victory away from winning the title once more. It was well worth it.
Guardiola showed off his admiration for Ortega by declaring, “He is a goalkeeper of the highest caliber.” An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper. Ederson had an issue with his eye, not a concussion. The doctor advised him to adjust because he was having trouble seeing.”
The cynics who said Spurs may ease up because a win could potentially give rivals Arsenal their first Premier League title in 20 years were completely made fun of.
It was not for want of effort as Ange Postecoglou’s fifth-placed team was completely devoted to chasing a goal of their own as they went after a spot in the Champions League and they were very near to upsetting City’s customary title charge. They were left disappointed in the end as defeat sealed Aston Villa’s fourth-placed result and they will now enter European football’s elite table.
Ortega made an immediate impression, saving well to deny Spurs substitute Dejan Kulusevski, and then again moments later, as City nearly paid a heavy price for a less than stellar showing.
The most significant event occurred in the last few minutes, as City was hanging on to a one-goal lead, when Son Heung-min raced clear after winning the ball, leaving only Ortega to beat. It was the same kind of chance that the South Korean had skillfully seized numerous times during his tenure at Spurs.
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