Stefan Ortega’s Final Season – Has He Secured City’s Fourth Win In A Row?

When Manchester City faced Tottenham Hotspurs on Tuesday, they were ready to win, they were determined to play well, but they never expected which player would stand out above the others. Stefan Ortega’s incredible save in the last minute took the game from entertaining to something truly special. Let’s take a look at what happened and what it means for Man City going forward.
Ortega’s Showstopping Save
This wonderful game was not planned in advance but came by chance. Earlier in the game, first-choice goalkeeper Ederson had a nasty collision with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero. Although he was not sent off, Ederson struggled to see after the incident, and Guardiola made the difficult decision to bring him off in the second half of the match.
Ortega was brought in to fill that spot, and while his role was brief, boy, was it impressive!
Towards the end of the game, Manchester City was leading 1-0 but needed to hold on to win easily in the Premier League. That’s when, with just three minutes left, Tottenham striker and captain Son Heung-min found the back of the net and scored. But standing strong against a skilled feint, Ortega made the right call and blocked the shot.
The goalkeeper’s display of skill was met with a standing ovation and after the game Ortega was showered with congratulations and praise. Guardiola, who had fallen to the ground when he thought they were about to lose a point, greeted the goalkeeper after the final whistle with a kiss on the cheek and did not hold back in the media after the game, saying: “Ortega. he is a world class goalkeeper. He has a different, different goalkeeper.”
What does this mean for Man City?
This save was not only a display of Ortega’s incredible skill but, coupled with Haaland’s two goals scored in the match and in stoppage time, all but ensured Man City’s fourth consecutive Premier League win. The save took Arsenal out of the running, and as a major obstacle to victory, it’s no wonder Guardiola had this to say:
“He saves us – besides, Arsenal are champions. That is the truth. Margins are very thick. The save from Son. It was unbelievable. Individually, Stefan is one of the best waiters I have seen in my life. It’s a German tradition – get up, don’t get down.”
There is still time for standards to change, but Manchester City have undoubtedly found their “moment” of the season.
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