Manchester City moved closer to clinching the 2023/24 Premier League title with a decisive 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace, putting the Citizens two points clear of Arsenal with just one match remaining.
Haaland’s clinical display settled nerves for Man City fans, as he opened the scoring by tapping in a precise cross from Kevin De Bruyne early in the second half, marking Man City’s first-ever league goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Haaland converted a late penalty, securing three vital points for Man City, moments after substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made a remarkable save from Son Heung-min.
With the win, Pep Guardiola’s side now lead the Premier League table by two points after 37 matches.
A victory in their upcoming match against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium would secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title, regardless of Arsenal’s result against Everton.
Should City claim this season’s Premier League title, it would mark a historic achievement, as no team in the history of English top-flight football has ever won four titles in a row.
Additionally, Tottenham’s defeat ensures that Aston Villa will secure the fourth Champions League spot, joining City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in Europe’s elite competition next season.
“We gave the chance in our hands for the last game,” Guardiola told the BBC. “The tennis players say ‘The serve to win Wimbledon, the last game, is the most difficult one’.
“It happened in our match against Aston Villa (in 2022). And many, many years ago it happened with Sergio Aguero (scoring) in 93 minutes 20 seconds against QPR. So there will be the typical game.”
Guardiola called for help from City’s fans to get them over the line.
“We know what we’re playing for,” he said. “The tension is there, the rivalry is so good. It’s why it is difficult, we know that.
“Everyone comes to the stadium and makes noise. These games are more difficult but you have to do it. We’ll have one day off, two days to prepare, and then we will do our best.”
Rodri also added that City are ready to rewrite the record books once more by becoming the first side to win four consecutive English top-flight titles.
“Unbelievable for us, giving us the chance to fight in one last game. Still one more game, but the effort we put in today was incredible,” Rodri told Sky Sports.
“We know it was not our best performance but we came here to win and that’s what we do.”
Guardiola’s men host West Ham at the Etihad on Sunday, while Arsenal entertain Everton.
