By PM
Published yesterday at 11:32 p.m., Updated yesterday at 11:49 p.m.
Ortega (left) disgusted Son (right) REUTERS / Dylan Martinez / REUTERS / Dylan Martinez
Manchester City fulfilled its mission this Tuesday evening by winning against Spurs (0-2). A first in the league at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
TOPS
Ortega, the unexpected savior
Would Ederson have had the success of Ortega? We’ll never know. On the other hand, what we do know is that City’s replacement goalkeeper came on – after Romero’s charge on his predecessor in goal – and that he saved his team. Three decisive saves to leave City ahead in the score and allow them to boost their team, which was gradually weakening. Kuluveski tried to crack the wall, Son too, but the determination of the new entrant made the difference. The Citizens ended up taking off thanks to the vista of Jérémy Doku, who also came into play. We should also highlight the coaching of Pep Guardiola, who felt his starting goalkeeper affected and did not hesitate to give his confidence to Ortega. A strong sign.
Read alsoManchester City: Guardiola falls on his butt after Ortega’s miracle save against Son
Haaland, an effective double
Without being flamboyant, he was always in tune. From the first minute of play when he took over Ortega, or even in his pivot throws for Foden or De Bruyne in the middle of the field. It is also thanks to him, in part, that Manchester City doubled the lead with a well-felt deviation. In continuity, Doku offered him an easy double. A liberation acquired thanks to his composure in front of the cage. The same one he had had thirty minutes earlier to open the scoring. Erling Haaland continues to enhance the work of his teammates.
Premier League: City wins against Tottenham and touches the championship title
FLOPS
Postecoglou’s plan worked, but not dangerous enough
A defeat not really deserved. Postecoglou’s Tottenham did everything to put in a big match. In the first half, his men tried to keep the ball as much as possible to try to dictate the pace. Often, the midfielders, dressed in white, took over and found a teammate on the opposite side, often behind the backs of full-backs Walker and Gvardiol. A tactic close to bringing City to its knees. In the second act, the Citizens left the ball and retreated, voluntarily, under pressure from Son’s teammates. But to validate the game ideas, you have to know how to score. And Spurs never did, despite a few clear chances.
A controversial atmosphere
If Tottenham never found the extra spirit to achieve even a draw this Tuesday evening, against Manchester City, it is also because of their supporters. The atmosphere was special at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the chants really began after Erling Haaland opened the score. But first, when his team had a good first period, the supporters remained generally silent. We can understand Spurs fans, torn between a victory against the best team in the championship or a bad result to annoy their neighbor, Arsenal, leader before this match. But football should not be experienced vicariously. The team you support must always come first, regardless of the consequences. Especially when Spurs still had a tiny hope of returning to the Champions League. After this defeat, he definitely took off.
