Man City’s Free Transfer Backup Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega May Have Just Won His Team The Premier League

It’s no secret that significant financial backing has played a huge part in the ascendance of Manchester City from doormat to one of the world’s best clubs. But, it was a player they didn’t spend a penny for in backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega that may have just won them the English Premier League for a fourth straight year.

Manchester City entered Tuesday’s match at Tottenham Hotspur, in a stadium that City had not won at in four tries since it opened, needing two wins in its final two matches to beat out Arsenal for the Premier League title.

Manchester City hadn’t even scored a goal yet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in London in 2019. They finally got that monkey off of their back early in the second half when prolific goal-scorer Erling Haaland tapped in a perfect squared ball by arguably the world’s best player, Kevin De Bruyne.

But, just a few minutes later, Man City’s starting goalkeeper, team legend Ederson, was subbed off after a collision.

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That meant that it was time for Stefan Ortega to come on to the pitch and help close out three massive points for his club. I’m sure that he was hoping it would be a stress-free shift. Instead, he would have to make the biggest save of the Premier League season.

City defender Nathan Akanji made a huge blunder, leaving Tottenham’s best attacker, Son Heung-min, one-on-one with Ortega in the 86th minute. But, Ortega made the save of the season.

That’s an unreal save for anyone, let alone a backup goalkeeper that was chilling on the bench a half-hour prior. City would go on to add a second goal on a Haaland penalty, and won 2-0.

For all the hand wringing about Manchester City’s expensive roster and spending over the past fifteen years, Ortega is a sign of a club that has done great business. He signed with Manchester City on a free transfer from German second-division side Arminia Bielefeld in 2022. He’s filled in for Ederson this year at times while he’s battled injuries, and has performed admirably. But, obviously, none of his moments were as big as that one.

The big loser here is Arsenal, who are ironically Tottenham’s top rival. Arsenal would have been at  the top of the table on goal difference with one game left in the season had Tottenham earned a draw. Instead, they must hope that City drops points at home against West Ham on Sunday while they beat Everton. If that happens, Arsenal will win the league for the first time since their unbeaten 2004 season.

But, Manchester City are heavy favorites to take care of business on Sunday at home.  They have Stefan Ortega to thank for that.

 

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