Manchester City took advantage of their late match at Tottenham (2-0) on Tuesday to regain the lead in the Premier League at the expense of Arsenal before the final day, and touch the dream of a fourth title in a row, a series never made in England.
The “Citizens” did not master everything, they sometimes lacked tone and precision, but they went for a golden victory in a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where they had never won, or even scored, in championship since the inauguration in 2019.
The deliverance came from a double from Erling Haaland (51st, 90th+1), now author of 27 goals in 30 Premier League matches played this season, a rate that is still hellish for his second year in England.
The Norwegian giant first took a service from Kevin De Bruyne, his favorite serial passer (51st, 1-0), before scoring a penalty (90th+1) obtained by Jérémy Doku.
Five minutes earlier, however, the Mancuniens were taken by a huge thrill when Heung-min Son came to challenge Stefan Ortega. But the German goalkeeper, who entered earlier in place of the injured Ederson, made a superb save like a handball goalkeeper (86th).
Public roomers
Manchester City (1st, 88 pts) will still have to finish the job on Sunday (5 p.m.) against West Ham at the Etihad to prevent Arsenal (2nd, 86 pts), host of Everton at the same time, from winning their first title since 2004 .
The “Gunners” were hoping for a boost from Tottenham, their historic rival from north London, but it did not come, despite the desire displayed by the “Spurs”.
Erling Haaland crucifies Tottenham’s defense and places City at the top of the Premier League, May 14, 2024 in London / Ben Stansall / AFP
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario delayed the deadline as with this left volley from Phil Foden (16th), pushed back with his right arm, or this pivotal strike from Kevin De Bruyne (47th), dismissed with difficulty.
But the successor to Hugo Lloris ended up giving in to the master of assists, De Bruyne, and the chief finisher, Haaland, who in the process became the first “Citizen” to score in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Spurs fans didn’t like it, but they took the opportunity to quip their enemy the Emirates, seven kilometers away: “Are you watching, Arsenal?” (Are you watching, Arsenal).
Aston Villa not C1
For Tottenham (5th, 63 pts), the setback at home buries the hope of competing in the Champions League next season.
The last ticket will go to Aston Villa (4th, 68 pts), back in the continental elite more than 40 years after its last appearance (Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1982-1983).
Ange Postecoglou’s team, brilliant at the start of the season, irregular afterwards, will have to be content with the Europa League.
Happiness Aston Villa coach Unai Emery (centre) exults after his team’s equalizer against Liverpool at Villa Park Manchester City, May 14, 2024 / Ben Stansall / AFP
Arsenal are having a fantastic second half of the season, with an iron defense and a fiery attack, but they could experience a second disappointment in a row, after being overtaken last year in the final stretch.
The outcome would probably be even crueler with the turnaround suffered on Tuesday, five days before the 38th and final day of the championship.
But the Manchester City machine was also running at full speed as the finish approached, its specialty from year to year. Pep Guardiola’s armada has gone 22 matches without defeat in the Premier League since the last one, at the start of December against Aston Villa.
