Manchester City Puts One Hand on the Trophy in Win Over Tottenham
As Son Heung-Min scampered toward Stefan Ortega’s goal, May 14th, 2024, was in danger of becoming one of the most unthinkable days possible: the day Tottenham won Arsenal the Premier League title. It was the 88th minute of a tight contest between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in which City had fashioned themselves a one-goal lead early in the second half on a typical Erling Haaland tap-in from a pinpoint Kevin De Bruyne cross. City defender Manuel Akanji made a mistake in possession that left the South Korean phenom, Son, clean through on goal. City manager Pep Guardiola dropped to the floor in his technical area in sheer shock at the error and the potential title-deciding one-on-one forthcoming. Time stood still, and then, Son’s effort was saved.
In the past decade-plus, Manchester City has quite literally seen two instances in which their Premier League titles have come down to one moment. Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp winner over Queens Park Rangers to win the 2011/12 title remains likely the most iconic moment in the history of the Premier League. Ilkay Gundogan’s final day masterclass from two years ago also springs to mind. This time, in the oddest of circumstances for a potentially title-deciding match, Spurs had the opportunity to put their archrival Arsenal in the driver’s seat for their first Premier League championship in 20 years, and Son Heung-Min shot it off of Stefan Ortega’s right leg.
What’s more bizarre is the circumstance under which Ortega entered the game. City’s number one goalkeeper, Ederson, suffered what looked like a brutal injury leading to a long pause in the game. However, when things got going again after the break, Ederson was adamant that he could still play. Guardiola substituted him nonetheless, despite protest from the Brazilian, and on came Ortega. It was a moment typical of Manchester City in the past decade, as their depth and ability to deliver in crucial moments shined again. City would go on to win the game 2-0 after Erling Haaland got his second goal from the penalty spot.
Tottenham did put up a good fight. They had quality spells of possession and created a few big chances. In the end, Spurs fans will feel relief that they dented Arsenal’s title hopes. However, this result confirmed that they will not be playing in the Champions League next season. Aston Villa locked up the fourth spot due to today’s result.
Son’s chance was one that, if converted, would have sent Arsenal and Manchester City into the final day of the season even on points with Arsenal ahead on goal difference. Instead, Manchester City will have a two-point lead, meaning Arsenal will need to both beat Everton and pray for City to lose or draw against West Ham. Things are not all said and done, but that Son chance sure felt like a title-deciding moment. A moment Arsenal fans will curse, intensifying their hate of Tottenham. A moment City fans may never forget.
