By Jamie Carragher has credited Stefan Ortega with securing Manchester City’s Premier League title, emphasizing that his critical save against Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son will be a moment Arsenal fans rue for years to come.
The Pivotal Match
In a crucial fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Manchester City managed a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, moving them two points ahead of Arsenal with just one game remaining in the season. This win puts City on the brink of their fourth successive Premier League title.
Ortega’s Crucial Save
The defining moment came late in the game. In the 86th minute, with City clinging to a narrow 1-0 lead, Manuel Akanji lost possession, allowing Son to break free towards the goal. With only Ortega, City’s second-choice goalkeeper who had replaced the injured Ederson, to beat, Son’s effort was spectacularly denied by Ortega. Just minutes later, Erling Haaland converted a penalty to secure the victory for City.
Carragher’s Analysis
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Carragher highlighted the significance of Ortega’s save, drawing parallels to Vincent Kompany’s unforgettable goal against Leicester City in the 2018/19 season that was pivotal in City winning the title that year.
“Tottenham created more problems for Man City than I’ve seen any team create in a long time,” Carragher noted. “Ortega’s performance tonight alone has effectively won City the Premier League title. If he doesn’t make those saves at 1-0, Arsenal are likely to win the league. That’s how critical his performance was.”
The Impact on Arsenal
For Arsenal fans, the save will be a haunting memory. Had Son scored, the resulting draw would have left Arsenal in control of the title race heading into the final day. Carragher empathized with Arsenal supporters, likening their anguish to his own experience as a Liverpool fan when Kompany’s goal dashed their title hopes.
“That save by Ortega is a moment Arsenal fans will look back on with regret for years. Even if they win titles in the future, that specific missed opportunity will linger in their memories,” Carragher said.
Conclusion
Stefan Ortega’s save against Tottenham has not only underlined his importance to Manchester City’s squad but has also underscored the fine margins that often decide the Premier League title race. As City edge closer to another league triumph, Arsenal fans are left contemplating what might have been, haunted by the near miss that could have changed the course of their season.
