Manchester City could clinch the Premier League at Etihad after edging Arsenal rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial MD37 clash.
It was strange to see Arsenal’s fans side with the same city arch-enemy when City travelled to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium mid-week.
A draw or, better yet, a defeat of Man City would massively increase Mikel Arteta’s side’s chance of winning the Premier League. Sadly, the reality is far from fantasy.Â
How did Man City beat Tottenham to doom Arsenal hope?
Spurs proved to be City’s kryptonite as Pep Guardiola’s side had failed to win an away game in the last five league clashes.
It took Erling Haaland 51 minutes to break the deadlock when City’s top scorer tapped from close range from Kevi de Bruyne’s assist.
The Spanish manager, Pep Guardiola, needed to replace goalkeeper Ederson because his eye was swollen after a collision with Cristian Romero.
Second-choice goalie Jenna Ortega became a surprising hero after stopping a huge late chance from Son Heung-min’s finish (86′).
Spurs got punished for that wasting chance when Haaland added a second from the penalty spot after Jeremy Doku was fouled in the injury time.
The win put Man Cit atop the league’s table with two points clear and gave them the huge advantage to seal the title in the final round.
Title race scenarios for Manchester City and Arsenal
As we look ahead to Sunday’s final matches, here’s a reminder of how the table looks.
- Man City: 88 points, +60 goal difference
- Arsenal: 86 points, +61 goal difference
Sunday’s matches:
- Man City vs West Ham
- Arsenal vs Everton
Title scenarios
If Man City beat West Ham: City will win the Premier League title
If Man City draw or lose against West Ham:
- Arsenal would win the title with a win against Everton
- City would win the title if Arsenal fail to beat Everton
Pep explains Ederson’s substitution
Pep Guardiola has explained why he took Ederson off after the goalkeeper’s collision with Cristian Romero: “Ederson got a kick in the eye and it’s swollen. He could not see properly. The doctor came to me and said, ‘You have to replace him.’ When the doctor says that, I don’t have an alternative.”
The manager also touched on Ederson’s angry reaction to the decision: “I understand. He wants to play.”
