Pep Guardiola praises Stefan Ortega's 'unbelievable' save as Arsenal fans agonize as title race slides
Stefan Ortega was Manchester City's unlikely hero with what could prove to be a title-winning save.
The German goalkeeper is used to being EdersonSubstitute for Manchester City, but received the call during the second half when the Brazilian was taken off after suffering a suspected concussion.
While Ederson was not at all impressed Upon being pulled, Ortega took advantage of his opportunity with three impressive saves, one of which is considered a sliding doors moment in the title race.
With Son Heung-min Played towards goal, Ortega made a world-class save to deny the South Korean star, keeping the score at 1-0 at the time. thanks to the efforts of Erling Haaland.
That paved the way for Haaland to claim victory from the penalty spot, but while the goal machine will receive credit, it is Ortega who may have cost the money. Arsenal their first Premier League title in 20 years.
His role in the victory became clear at full-time with Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic running straight towards him once the referee blew the whistle, while Guardiola and Haaland could be seen congratulating him moments later.
Speaking to talkSPORT, pep guardiola He said: “Stefan did his job showing what an incredible goalkeeper he is.
“Nowadays in football you have to have two or even three incredible goalkeepers because Ederson this season had three or four setbacks due to injuries.”
Rodri echoed those sentiments immediately after full-time, telling Sky Sports: “Stefan, he saved us.
“This is football. We have the best striker in the world and today he made the difference and people talk about him, but Stefan was just incredible.
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“We were 1-0 up and his three saves, I have no words.
“Of course Eddy (Ederson) was frustrated, but the substitution made sense because he had a concussion.”
Rodri was not the only player who praised Ortega, since Kyle Walker comparing him to one of the all-time greats.
He told Sky Sports: “Stefan, he's got that width, doesn't he? He reminds me of Manuel Neuer – German goalkeepers have that width.
“Manu (Akanji) was great all night and it is the law that a mistake can end in a goal, but he has that width and his big calves came into play.
“I bet my heart was in my mouth, but I was thinking 'no, not again.'
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“For Sonny, we've spent so much time together at Tottenham and for him to do it to me, he's the kindest man in football, and for him to do it to me, I don't think I would have forgiven him.” .
“But the stars aligned in our favor and we have a chance to do it in the last game of the season.”
As for Arsenal fans, well, it's a save that may linger in their heads for years to come.
One fan said: “Absolutely gutted by that result. Can't blame Tottenham to be fair. They put up more of a fight than I thought. It wasn't meant to be this season. Anyway, I'm proud of the team.” (That Miss Son will keep me up all night).”
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Another said: “Can't believe Son missed that one-on-one.”
While this fan said, “Heung-min Son, you have entered the salon of my nightmare ladies.”
Man City will secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a home win against West Ham, while Arsenal will now pray for a mistake when they face Everton.
