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Stefan Ortega was the unlikely hero for Manchester City with what could prove to be a title-winning save.
The German goalkeeper is used to being Ederson’s understudy at Man City but got the decision in the course of the second half when the Brazilian was brought off after suffering a suspected concussion.
While Ederson was less-than impressed at being taken off, Ortega relished his opportunity with three stunning stops, certainly one of which is being dubbed as a sliding doors moment within the title race.
With Heung-min Son played through on goal, Ortega pulled off a world-class save to disclaim the South Korean star, keeping the rating at 1-0 on the time due to Erling Haaland’s effort.
That paved the best way for Haaland to wrap up the win from the penalty spot, but while the goal-machine will get credit, it’s Ortega who may have cost Arsenal their first Premier League title in 20 years.
His role within the win was clear at full-time with Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic running straight to him once the referee blew the whistle, while Guardiola and Haaland might be seen congratulating him moments later.
Chatting with talkSPORT, Pep Guardiola said: “Stefan did his job in showing what an incredible keeper he’s.
“As of late in football you’ve got to have two and even three incredible goalkeepers because Ederson this season had three or 4 injury setbacks.”
Rodri echoed those sentiments immediately after full-time, saying to Sky Sports: “Stefan, he saved us.
“That is football. We’ve the most effective striker on the planet and today he made the difference and other people discuss him but Stefan was simply incredible.
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“We were 1-0 up and his three saves, I even have no words.
“In fact Eddy (Ederson) was frustrated however the substitution made sense because he had a concussion.”
Rodri wasn’t the one player to heap praise on Ortega though, with Kyle Walker comparing him to certainly one of the all-time greats.
He told Sky Sports: “Stefan, he’s got that spread hasn’t he? He jogs my memory of Manuel Neuer – the German goalkeepers have gotten that spread.
“Manu (Akanji) was great all night and it’s sod’s law that one mistake can find yourself in a goal but he’s got that spread and his big calves got here into play.
“I bet his heart was in his mouth, but I used to be just pondering ‘no, not again’.
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“For Sonny, we’ve spent a lot time together at Tottenham and so for him to do it to me – he’s the nicest man in football – so for him to do it to me, I don’t think I could have forgiven him.
“But the celebs aligned for us and we’ve got a probability to go and do it within the last game of the season.”
As for the Arsenal fans, well it is a save that will stay of their heads for a few years to return.
One fan said: “Absolutely gutted with that result. Can’t fault Tottenham to be fair. They did put up more of a fight than I believed they might. It wasn’t meant to be this season. Happy with the team regardless. (That Son miss will keep me up all night).”
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One other said: “Can’t consider Son missed that one on one.”
While this fan said: “Heung-min Son, you’ve entered the hall of my nightmare misses.”
Man City will secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a victory at home to West Ham, while Arsenal will now be praying for a slip-up as they tackle Everton.
