OneFootball
Andrew Thompson·26 febbraio 2025
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Andrew Thompson·26 febbraio 2025
It's rare when a backup goalkeeper plays a critical role in a club's run to Premier League honours, but Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega did just that one year ago.
City and budding title rivals Arsenal were neck-deep in a swashbuckling league campaign that saw them separated by just two points coming into matchday 37, but an injury to star man Ederson threatened Pep Guardiola's position at the top.
After being kicked in the face during their clash with Tottenham, the Brazilian was forced to come off and replaced by Ortega, who, up to that point, had only appeared for the English giants on ten occasions in the league since arriving from Arminia Bielefeld the season prior.
Coming on with just 20 minutes left on the clock, Ortega was eventually faced with Son Heung-min barreling down on goal, with City's title destiny hanging in the balance.
The resulting clutch save played a vital role in the league holders retaining their place on the Premier League perch.
Forever indebted.
📸 Justin Setterfield - 2024 Getty Images