Tottenham’s home game remains a source of concern for Pep Guardiola and his club.Tottenham’s dominant performance in the first half gave Arsenal, Man City’s title challenger, a lot of hope. The blue half of Manchester even retains the ball less than the home team (45% vs. 55%).
However, the possibility remains for the defending Premier League champions. Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Bernardo Silva all had close-range shots in minutes 17 and 45, respectively. However, the Spurs defensive players continue to emerge victorious.Manchester City scored on their fourth chance. Starting with an attempt to break through on the right flank, Foden directed the ball to the other side. De Bruyne received the ball and broke through to the bottom of the touchline, stretching just enough for Haaland to cushion the ball from close range, which delighted a few Tottenham Stadium fans.After taking the lead, Manchester City purposefully played slowly to demonstrate their world-class ability to hold the ball and avoid pushing. In the opposite way, coach Ange Postecoglou went all in by sending Dejan Kulusevski onto the pitch.
The Swedish player’s pace made it impossible for the defending champion to defend. Stefan Ortega, who hesitantly took the field to relieve Ederson, has suddenly become Manchester City’s hero. In the 71st minute, the goalkeeper born in 1992 stepped out to deny Kulusevski a clear shot.
Coach Pep Guardiola collapsed on the ground in the 86th minute when Son Heung-min took the ball from Manuel Akanji’s feet. Ortega’s amazing stop with his foot allowed Manchester City fans to breathe a sigh of relief.
Just four minutes after Son’s mistake, Manchester City crafted a moment that will most likely decide this season’s Premier League battle. Jeremy Doku dribbled the ball and earned a penalty. Haaland did not miss to complete the double and give Manchester a 2-0 victory.
Manchester City defeated formidable opponents to ascend the throne. Pep Guardiola’s club will play West Ham United at home in the final. If they win, “The Cityzens” will be the first club in history to win the Premier League for four straight seasons.
