Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored a brace against Tottenham Hotspur and put the Cityzens within touching distance of an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title.
The Norwegian scored a spectacular double whereas City’s backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made some crucial saves against Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-Min Son after replacing the injured Ederson.
This victory marks City’s eighth win in a row in the Premier League and will be guaranteed to make history if they are able to beat West Ham United at the Etihad on Sunday.
Why did Pep Guardiola fear that Man City’s Premier League title chances were over?
When Manchester City were 1-0 ahead, Spurs’ Son Heung-min raced towards the goal after Manuel Akanji’s slip in the 86th minute to find an equaliser which would have left Man City trailing Arsenal going into the final day.
But it was substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega who emerged as the winner in the one-on-one duel and manager Pep Guardiola looked as animated as ever on the touchline.
“You know how many times Son punishes us the last seven, eight years? How many goals they score with Harry Kane? Oh my god,” Guardiola said.
“We define here how is the team,” he continued. “Ortega saves the actions, otherwise Arsenal are champions, and that is the reality. Margins are so tight.
“Stefan makes an incredible save. He has this talent, one vs one he is one of the best keepers I’ve seen in my entire life. He has the German culture, stand up, don’t go down. Since I arrive, in the FA Cup and Carabao Cups. Ederson has had four injuries [this season]. He is so reliable, an incredible keeper. Our keeper trainer made an incredible decision to sign him.”
Pep Guardiola’s men will be crowned champions for the fourth time in a row and sixth time under the manager if they can beat West Ham this weekend. The Cityzens have been dominant on the domestic front throughout the season as they are preparing for the FA Cup final clash against noisy neighbours Manchester United.
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