Jamie Carragher has hailed Stefan Ortega as the man who won Manchester City their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola’s side went two points clear at the top of the table thanks to a brace from star striker Erling Haaland.
However, the title race could easily have been in the hands of Arsenal, if it wasn’t for a huge save from Ortega.
Ortega, who had come off the bench to replace Ederson following the Brazilian’s nasty collision with Cristian Romero, had Son Heung-min bursting through on his goal with the score-line still 1-0.
City’s No 2 goalkeeper though stood strong and made a crucial save from the Tottenham captain, before Haaland wrapped up the win from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
After the save, Carragher on co-commentary for Sky Sports said: ‘I mean, what an impact, so called Impact subs. You got to think about that. When you think of a goalkeeper, he’s made three massive saves.’
Carragher then went on to add towards the end of the game that Ortega was the man who had ‘won’ Man City the title, as he named the substitute as Man of the Match.
During his post-match analysis, Micah Richards also reserved special praise for Ortega’s performance.
The former Man City defender said: ‘He was absolutely unbelievable. And we talk about having a number two where you can trust or take it.
‘Every time I watch him play, he’s been brilliant. I think you know, and I’m not a goalkeeper, but if you just watch his foot movement on all the chances, it’s absolutely brilliant.
‘You know defenders, when you make a mistake, you got your keeper to bail you out. He starts. And then look at his foot the way he just is so agile on his feet. He’s ready. He’s just brilliant. And you’ve been in that situation so many times. Daniel, when, when a goalkeeper puts you in this position here and narrows down the angle.’
Man City team-mate Rodri also paid tribute to the German and City’s mentality in the crucial success.
‘Stefan was just simply incredible,’ he declared.
‘One-nil up if they scored we were out. [He made] outstanding three saves, I have no words.
