LONDON — Premier League titles are won over a season, but there is always a decisive moment that points toward success or failure. For a split second, Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min held the destinies of Arsenal and Manchester City at his feet.
In the 86th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Son raced toward Manchester City’s goal with a chance to equalize. With City leading 1-0 thanks to Erling Haaland’s opening goal, Son’s miss allowed City to maintain their lead, edging them closer to a fourth successive Premier League title. Son’s low shot was directed too close to substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who saved it with his outstretched right leg.
Had Son scored, Arsenal would have been back in the title race, leaving City in second place on goal difference going into the final game of the season. City manager Pep Guardiola reacted with a mix of panic and relief when Ortega made the crucial save. Arsenal fans and players were likely experiencing euphoria followed by dejection as Son’s chance unfolded.
City eventually sealed a 2-0 win. Haaland scored again from the penalty spot after Pedro Porro fouled Jérémy Doku, putting the game out of Tottenham’s reach. City moved two points clear at the top, meaning Arsenal now need West Ham to avoid defeat at the Etihad and must also beat Everton at home to have any chance of winning the title.
Interestingly, Son’s miss was celebrated by Spurs fans, highlighting their reluctance to aid Arsenal’s title challenge. A sarcastic post on X by the prominent Spurs fan account @HotspurRelated called Son “Our Captain,” and another post suggested his miss should be “Hang it in the Louvre.”
Spurs fans seemed content not to help Arsenal, despite chants of “Stand up if you hate Arsenal” ringing around the stadium. The atmosphere was one of mixed priorities, with Spurs’ supporters more focused on Arsenal’s misfortune than their own ambitions. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed frustration, emphasizing his desire to win regardless of other teams’ priorities.
Despite the strange atmosphere, Postecoglou’s players fought hard. Rodrigo Bentancur, Brennan Johnson, and Son forced important saves from City’s Ederson before he left the field injured. Ortega, stepping in, made crucial saves, including one from Dejan Kulusevski and the pivotal stop from Son.
City capitalized on their opportunities, with Haaland scoring twice to secure the win. Arsenal, rather than Spurs, are now left to rue Son’s missed chance, facing sleepless nights as City edge closer to another title.
For more updates, visit the Tottenham Hotspur official website.
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