Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored a brace to see Manchester City one step, one game, and one more win away from winning their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola’s side took charge of their title credentials with a win in a must-win game at a ground they had not scored or won in four different visits in the past. That history threatened to continue as the score remained goalless at halftime.
However, it took just six minutes after the break for Haaland to tap in from close range to throw the Tottenham stadium into decorum. The hosts, who held down well in the first half, tried to find their way back into the game, and they should have, had Dejan Kulusevski turned in his mazy run after the goal.
Cristian Romero collided with Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson in Manchester City’s goal, forcing Pep Guardiola to substitute the goalkeeper for Stefan Ortega in the 69th minute.
It probably will be the Spanish manager’s most significant substitution ever, as the replacement stopped Son Heung Min from scoring an equalizer. Tottenham continued to press, but they failed to hit the back of the net.
However, Manchester City didn’t fail to hit the back of the net as Erling Haaland stepped up when Manchester City won a penalty late in the game to secure all three points and potentially the title.
Striker Erling Haaland revealed that the team was nervous before the game.
“It was a bit horrible. A lot of emotions, we were nervous, which is normal for these types of games, but we won. That was the goal; I don’t care how we won. We won. Now on to the next one.” He said.
For Manchester City, their home game against West Ham United on Sunday is a must-win, as even a draw could get Arsenal to win the title if the Gunners win against Everton on Sunday as well.
Tottenham can forget about the UEFA Champions League as the result makes it impossible for them to overtake Aston Villa, which has now secured a European spot.