German goalkeeper hinders Pep Guardiola's succession.
In the almost last match of the Premier League, Stefan Ortega brings victory for Manchester City and also takes the lead in the table. Coach Pep Guardiola also can't contain his joy, sprawling out on the field. An amazing moment in the game's final minutes against Tottenham Hotspur grabs attention.
An exceptional performance from German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega kept Manchester City on track for the title and had coach Pep Guardiola elated. "He saved us - otherwise Arsenal would be champions," stated the coach post-game after their 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur, pushing City to the front of the English soccer championship. Previously, Bielefeld player Ortega stepped in for the injured Ederson in the 69th minute and pulled off some remarkable saves to stop Spurs from tying up the match.
"Stefan is one of the best goalkeepers I've seen in my entire life in one-on-one situations," said Guardiola. "That's the German culture - stand up, don't give in." Fellow teammate Rodri also expressed high praise for the 31-year-old Ortega. "Stefan was just unbelievable. If they score at 1-0, we're out. He produced three phenomenal saves. I'm tongue-tied," declared the Spaniard.
One of Ortega's key actions in the game's end shocked fans and the coach alike. After former Dortmund player Manuel Akanji lost possession, South Korean Heung-Min Son rushed towards the goal, but Ortega thwarted Tottenham's equalizing attempt with a diving save. Guardiola put his hand to his head on the sidelines and even lay flat on the stadium turf in disbelief after the play.
Shortly afterward, star forward Erling Haaland sealed the win with his second goal. With this triumph, City surpassed Arsenal before the finale of the Premier League's last matchday and headed into the final match with a 2-point lead. The Sky Blues face off against West Ham United at home on Sunday (all matches at 5pm/Sky), while Arsenal host Everton FC. City could then become the first team to win the Premier League four years in a row.
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Following his impressive performance, coach Josep Guardiola lauded German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, stating, "Ortega's saves were crucial in securing our Premier League lead." In the thrilling 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City moved ahead of Arsenal in the standings, with Ortega making numerous key saves to preserve their edge.
Source: www.ntv.de
