“City on Brink of Title Triumph! A 2-0 Victory over Tottenham Propels Them Closer, With Only One Game Standing Between Them and Glory. Gunners Left Chasing Shadows!”

“Yet, Fate Hangs by a Thread! A Draw at Spurs Would Have Kept Arsenal in Command of the Table.  In a heart-stopping moment at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the script nearly flipped in the 86th minute. Manuel Akanji’s loss of possession deep in his own territory set the stage for a dramatic showdown. With Son in hot pursuit, City’s substitute keeper, Ortega, who had stepped in for the injured Ederson, stood as the last line of defense. With the goal gaping, Son unleashed a thunderous shot, only to be denied by Ortega’s heroic save. But the drama didn’t end there. Minutes later, Erling Haaland clinched victory for City with his second goal of the game from the penalty spot, securing three vital points.

Reflecting on the thrilling climax, Carragher, speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, hailed Tottenham’s spirited performance, acknowledging their ability to trouble the reigning champions like few others have done in recent memory.

“Ortega, tonight, has single-handedly clinched the Premier League title for them. While the season’s journey has been long and arduous, this game stands as a defining moment. Without his crucial saves at 1-0, Arsenal would be celebrating league victory. That’s the razor-thin margin we’re talking about.”

Carragher drew parallels between Ortega’s heroic save and the iconic moment when then-City captain Vincent Kompany unleashed a dramatic long-range strike, securing a 1-0 victory over Leicester and propelling City above Liverpool on the final day of the 2018/19 season.

Reflecting on the significance of Ortega’s save, Carragher remarked, “As a Liverpool fan back then, witnessing Vincent Kompany’s decisive strike against Leicester, I understand the gravity of such moments. That Son opportunity mirrors that pivotal instant for Arsenal fans. It’s a memory that will endure for years to come, even if Arsenal secures the title in the near future – and with their caliber and leadership, that’s entirely plausible. However, that missed chance will linger, casting a shadow over their triumphs.”

Guardiola’s heart sank in a familiar dread

– “oh no, not again!” – as Akanji’s error gifted possession to the opponents, and Son, a thorn in City’s side with eight career goals, bolted toward the goal. Yet, salvation arrived in the form of Ortega, preserving his side’s hopes with a crucial save. Guardiola couldn’t contain his joy, praising the goalkeeper who, just two years ago, arrived at City from German outfit Arminia Bielefeld on a free transfer.

“Ortega saved the day; otherwise, Arsenal would be champions,” conceded Guardiola, acknowledging the fine margins that define modern football.

Reflecting on the nerve-wracking moment when Son threatened to score, Guardiola humorously remarked, “I have back problems, so that position is better for me!”

He continued, “When I saw Son charging, I thought, ‘Oh God!’ You know how many times Son has punished us over the years, alongside Harry Kane? I thought, ‘Not again.’ But then Stefan pulled off an incredible save. He has this innate talent, especially in one-on-one situations, making him one of the best keepers I’ve ever seen.”

Guardiola praised Ortega’s consistency since arriving, emphasizing his reliability even when stepping in for the injured Ederson. He commended the German goalkeeper’s approach, rooted in the culture of standing tall rather than diving, which has proven invaluable. Guardiola concluded by lauding the club and goalkeeper trainer for their astute decision to bring Ortega to City.