Manchester City and Liverpool played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at Anfield – and after the game, Joleon Lescott praised Stefan Ortega Moreno.
The spoils were shared in the final contest between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, and in truth, it was probably a fair result.
City took the lead through John Stones after a brilliant corner from Kevin De Bruyne, who would surprisingly be taken off in the second-half.
But Liverpool hit back after the break, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring from the penalty spot after Nathan Ake sold Ederson short for a back pass.
The Brazilian took out Darwin Nunez, and minutes later had to come off because he was still feeling the effects of the challenge.
Stefan Ortega came on, and put in a pretty good display and after the game, Lescott gave him his flowers…
Joleon Lescott praises Stefan Ortega Moreno after Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
The back pass from Ake was very uncharacteristic.
The Dutchman is usually so assured, and sadly his error led to Ederson making the challenge he did and ultimately getting injured.
Ortega came on and to his credit, did well in the cauldron that is Anfield.
The £50,000-a-week star German was nice and composed, and made four saves from Liverpool players to keep the scoreline level.
Speaking straight after the game on City’s Matchday Live show on YouTube, Lescott said: “(He did) very well. Keepers, it’s difficult, but he came in and was composed and got the speed of the game and made saves.
“He didn’t create any uncomfortable moments in regards to being closed down and being hurried. He’s good.”
Ortega deserves big credit
Fair play to Ortega today for his performance for Manchester City against Liverpool.
It cannot have been easy to come into a game like that, especially for a goalkeeper and especially at Anfield.
The game was frenetic and obviously, Liverpool are one of the best pressing teams in the world.
But as Lescott says, Ortega was composed during his 34 minutes on the pitch, and he helped to keep the Reds at bay with some good saves.
We will now see what the extent of Ederson’s injury is, but many City fans will be comfortable in the knowledge that Ortega is a top back-up.
