Stefan Ortega: Has he won the title for Man City?

• Manchester City moved one step closer to winning the Premier League for the fourth time in a row thanks to an unexpected hero in Stefan Ortega.
• The German international was forced to enter the action in the second half when Ederson suffered a head injury in a clash with Cristian Romero.
• Ortega produced a number of outstanding saves to keep the home team out.

Manchester City moved one step closer to winning the Premier League for the fourth time in a row thanks to an unexpected hero in Stefan Ortega.

The German international was benched for the first part of the match, but he was forced to enter the action in the second half when Ederson suffered a head injury in a clash with Cristian Romero.

Spurs put pressure on Man City, who were leading by one goal at the moment the substitution happened in the last 30 minutes, but Ortega produced a number of outstanding saves to keep the home team out.

A Spurs’ late equalizer in the second half would have placed Arsenal again in the lead heading into this coming weekend’s league final.

That situation nearly materialized at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 86th minute when Manuel Akanji lost control within his own half.

After a fantastic solo run, Son Heung-min found himself one-on-one with Ortega, giving him a perfect chance to knot the score at one.

Stefan Ortega crucial save against Spurs captain Son to ensure Manchester City win the game. Photo/ BBC

Manager Pep Guardiola flung down on his back to support Son as he waited for his shot attempt, giving everyone at City cause for concern as Son attempted to score.

Nevertheless, Ortega stood strong as his valiant save solidified his place among the club’s legends. He stood up and made himself large in front of the goal, waiting for the Spurs skipper to take the initiative.

When Son attempted a shot on the far post, the German goalkeeper remained composed and extended his right leg to prevent Spurs from tying the score.

After the game, Guardiola lauded the substitute goalkeeper, calling Ortega “world-class” and “exceptional.” He continued by saying that if it weren’t for his vital save, Arsenal would have won the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola on the floor

Pep Guardiola was on the floor after witnessing the close save by Stefan Ortega. Photo/ The Sun

After witnessing a massive error by Manuel Akanji that provided Son with a 1v1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Pep Guardiola comically collapsed to the ground in shock.

Guardiola was happy with his goalkeeper, though, since Ortega rescued his team.

Guardiola said to Sky Sports, “Ortega saved the actions, otherwise Arsenal is champion.”That is the reality in modern football. The margins are so, so tight.”

The only thing left for City to do to win a record-tying fourth consecutive title is to defeat West Ham at the Etihad on Sunday.

Is Ortega’s save equal to Martinez’s World Cup one?

Emi Martinez’s save against Kolo Muani at the World Cup final in Qatar that ensured Argentina win the tournament. Photo/ Goal

Emiliano Martinez’s heroism late in extra time in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory against France made it feasible for Argentina to capture their third World Cup victory.

Kylian Mbappe’s penalty kick in the 118th minute tied the game at 3-3, giving Les Bleus momentum going into the last moments of extra time.

In extra time, the Frenchmen attempted a last-ditch assault to definitively win the World Cup, demonstrating their refusal to accept penalties.

In the last seconds of extra time, Kolo Muani found himself one on one with Martinez, and everything froze for Argentina and the countless supporters.

But the Argentine goalkeeper came up exceptionally well for their nation to save Muani’s effort at a shot with an outstretched leg to preserve the game level.

Even though we cannot equate Ortega’s save to Martinez’s one it will definitely be up to debate if Manchester City go ahead to win the title on Sunday against West Ham.