May 15 – A record fourth consecutive Premier League crown is in Manchester City’s hands after they beat Tottenham 2-0 with two goals by Erling Haaland on Tuesday night.
The victory over Spurs means that the title holders enter the last Premier League matchday in the top spot, two points ahead of Arsenal, whilst Ange Postecoglou’s side are condemned to another season without UCL football.
“The tennis players say ‘the serve to win Wimbledon’, the last game, is the most difficult one,” Guardiola said after his side’s win at Spurs.
“We know what we’re playing for. The tension is there.”
Manchester City will face West Ham on the final day of the season on Sunday while Arsenal are at home to Everton.
Man City’s win over Spurs was not without drama
Ederson was caught in the face by Cristian Romero in the second half and for a moment looked in serious pain while receiving treatment on the pitch, but was later confirmed as not concussed by Guardiola.
“He had a problem with his eye, he could not see properly so the doctor said I should change,” he said.
The Brazilian was furious after being substituted, but replacement keeper Stefan Ortega did superbly to keep out a one-on-one breakaway from Spurs captain Son Heung-min with the score at 1-0.
Ortega went on to earn the man-of-the-match award for his efforts despite the short stint between the sticks.
Kevin De Bruyne could also be sidelined when City meet West Ham on Sunday after picking up an ankle injury in the second half.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has hit out at at Tottenham’s ‘fragile foundations’ after the defeat to Man City ended their Champions League hopes.
“I think the last 48 hours have revealed the foundations are fairly fragile,” the Aussie said. “Outside the club, inside the club, everywhere.
“It has been an interesting exercise. It’s just my observations. I’m not going to tell you more. You can make your own assessment of what happened.
“I probably misread the situation as to what I think is important and the endeavour to become a winning team, but that’s okay. That’s why I’m here. I just want to win, I want to be successful at this club. That’s why I was brought in.”
The result means that Aston Villa will be the fourth club to represent England in the new-look Champions League format next season, joining Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Spurs, meanwhile, look set to return to the Europa League.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732296501labto1732296501ofdlr1732296501owedi1732296501sni@g1732296501niwe.1732296501yrrah1732296501