Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland and Rodri have all hailed the 'incredible' impact of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in Manchester City's crucial 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Tuesday.
Ortega began the contest as a substitute, but his services were required midway through the second half after Ederson was withdrawn following a brave collision with Cristian Romero - Guardiola has since issued an update on the Brazilian's injury.
Man City were leading at the time courtesy of Haaland's opener scored six minutes after the break, and the Citizens soon had Ortega to thank for preserving their lead before Haaland sealed the victory from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
Ortega was immediately called into action to make two astute saves at his near post to prevent Dejan Kulusevski from restoring party for Spurs, before he made a potentially title-winning stop to deny Son Heung-min after he caught Manuel Akanji in possession and burst through on goal.
The 31-year-old has now saved 11 of the 13 shots on target that he has faced when coming on as a substitute in the Premier League this season (85%), including each of the last 11 in a row.
Ortega was awarded Man of the Match for his integral 20-minute cameo, and he has since received plaudits from both his manager and teammates after the match.
What a vital save that is in the title race from Stefan Ortega! 😲 pic.twitter.com/XatVw2GetK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024
Guardiola, Haaland heap praise on Ortega
Guardiola has claimed that without Ortega's heroics between the sticks against Spurs, Man City's title rivals Arsenal would be Premier League champions.
"He defined I would say how the team is a team. Ortega saved the actions otherwise Arsenal will be champions," Guardiola told reporters as quoted by mancity.com. "Do you know how many times Son punished us in the last seven or eight years?
"I said 'No, not again.' But Stefan made an incredible save. He has this talent. In one-on-ones, he is one of the best keepers I've ever seen in my life.
"It's the German culture, stand up, don't go down, it's really, really good. He's played in the FA Cup and Carabao Cups, Ederson has four times setback for injuries.
"He's so reliable and incredible keeper. The club made an incredible decision to bring him here."
Haaland has also paid tribute to the German shot-stopper, adding: "Ederson was fantastic today and Ortega was Man of the Match. What can I say? He's incredible and such a good guy as well so I'm happy for him.
"He will have to go to the Euros now as he is so good and so important. I almost had a heart attack to be honest [during Son chance]."
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Rodri in awe of "outstanding" Ortega
Midfield lynchpin Rodri, who has not lost any of his last 73 appearances for Man City in all competitions, is another who has praised the efforts of Ortega, adding: "Stefan was just simply incredible.
"One-nil up if they scored we were out. [He made] outstanding three saves, I have no words. The mentality of these guys and the substitutions. We have to talk about the substitutions today.
"Stefan saved us, Jeremy [Doku] was unbelievable and all the players who came in were exceptional. This talks about the team."
Meanwhile, captain Kyle Walker has talked up the importance of Man City's win at Spurs, but he is aware that their task to win a record fourth consecutive Premier League title is not yet complete.
"It was very difficult with the emotions riding on it but the lads did the job they needed to do," said the right-back. "It was an unusual game but we are competitors. Spurs could have gone and got the Champions League.
"You could see they were putting everything on the line to win the game. It is one step closer. You have to take every game as it comes. We had a job to do tonight but we know how things can swing."
Victory for Man City has seen the climb two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, and Guardiola's side will be crowned champions if they win at home against West Ham United in their final game of the season on Sunday.
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