For the fourth time in the Premier League this season the German was summoned from the bench to replace Ederson after the Brazilian sustained a blow to the head just past the hour mark with City 1-0 up through Erling Haaland’s 51st minute strike.
Ortega Moreno made his presence felt immediately, producing two superb stops to deny Spurs substitute Dejan Kulusevski.
Five minutes from time he then made a game defining intervention to deny Son Heung-Min after the Spurs striker had broken clear – with Haaland subsequently converting an injury time penalty to seal a precious three points.
The result moved City back to the top of the table and means we will win a fourth straight title if we beat West Ham at the Etihad on Sunday.
Reflecting on what was our first ever league win – and goals – at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the City boss pointed to the impact of Ortega Moreno – not just tonight but throughout his time at City since joining in 2022.
“He defined I would say how the team is a team. Ortega saved the actions otherwise Arsenal will be champions,” the City boss reflected.
“Do you know how many times Son punished us in the last seven or eight years?.
“I said ‘No, not again.’ But Stefan made an incredible save. He has this talent. In one on ones, he is one of the best keepers I’ve ever seen in my life.
“It’s the German culture, stand-up, don’t go down, it’s really, really good. He’s played in the FA Cup and Carabao Cups, Ederson has four times setback for injuries.
“He’s so reliable and incredible keeper. The club made an incredible decision to bring him here.”
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