Manuel Akanji has shared what he did after Stefan Ortega’s crucial save in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
In the second half of Tuesday’s match in North London, with the score at 1-0, Akanji found himself giving the ball away which led to Son Heung-min going through on goal in a one-on-one with Ortega, who came on to replace the injured Ederson.
Luckily for City, and especially Akanji, Ortega was able to save Son’s attempt at goal and ultimately help his side keep a clean sheet and secure a pivotal victory in their hunt to win the Premier League title.
Now though, with the dust settled, Akanji has opened up about this particular incident from the Spurs game and how he felt about it during and after.
Akanji reflects on Spurs chance and Ortega save
Speaking to the club’s media, Akanji had this to say about the chance from Son and Ortega’s vital save to spare the defender’s blushes in midweek.
He said: “I was so nervous, and I was praying that the ball wouldn’t go in!
“Right after the game I went to Stefan and thanked him for the incredible save – and for saving me! He saved the game for us.
“I should have made an easy decision and kicked the ball away. I tried to play it and brought myself into a sticky situation and lost the ball.
“Stefan made a brilliant save and that’s why you’ve got teammates to help you out of situations. I’m really thankful for it. He made some huge saves for us – I know what he’s capable of.
“It was not the first time that he’s come in and done really well – he did it at Anfield. I don’t think there’s a more difficult game to come into and he’s proving himself every time he plays. I’m really happy for him.”
Ortega was City’s hero against Spurs
Having pulled off such a crucial save and stopped Akanji from getting criticised for his mistake, it comes as no surprise to us that the defender was incredibly grateful for what Ortega did.
In fact, Jamie Carragher said after the match that the German’s save against Son all but confirmed City’s title success.
If the Citizens go on to win the title this weekend by beating West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, we feel that Akanji should thank Ortega again for his vital contribution against Tottenham.
