Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken about his dramatic reaction against Tottenham Hotspurs, especially when Son Heung-min only had Ortega to beat to cancelled Erling Haaland’s first goal.
Pep Guardiola’s team required a victory against Tottenham Hotspur in order to surpass Arsenal in the league standings. They found themselves in a favorable position to claim all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Erling Haaland netted a goal from Kevin De Bruyne’s precise cross into the penalty area.
However, with five minutes to go, the Spurs captain was found himself in a one-on-one situation with the City goalkeeper after Brennan Johnson took the ball off Manuel Akanji and gave Son a chance to make the scoreline 1-1.
Guardiola, who couldn’t believe what just played out collapsed to the floor and fell onto his back as Son raced clear; Fortunately for him, Stefan Ortega made a world-class save to denied Son and the City boss spoke about the situation during his post-match conference.
“I had problems with my back and that position is better!” Guardiola laughed. “Oh god! Do you know how many times Son punishes us in the last seven or eight years? Can I tell you how many goals they scored against us with Harry Kane?”
“Oh my god. I said, ‘no not again’. But then Stefan made an incredible save because he has this talent. In the one against one, he is one of the best keepers I have every seen in my life. It’s a German culture, – stand up, don’t go down. He’s really, really good.”
The Cityzens are now three points away from winning the league again for the fourth time in a row, a last day victory against West Ham United will be enough for the Sky Blues to create history in the English top-flight.
Nevertheless, the Gunners remain in the running for the league title, with a chance to claim their first championship in two decades. However, they must ensure victory against Everton and rely on a scenario where Pep Guardiola’s team loses points at home to the Hammers.