EDERSON was taken off in tears and anger – as a grim collision at Tottenham left him with a black eye and Manchester City with a goalkeeping headache for the Premier League finale.
The stopper was seen crying for five minutes after swapping agitated words with boss Pep Guardiola in City’s 2-0 win – before the Brazilian hit out at his dugout seat in frustration.
Back-up keeper Stefan Ortega came on for the visitors at 1-0 up – producing an excellent save and even being named man of the match.
Ederson had been caught in the face by a lunge from Cristian Romero as the Tottenham defender followed in a chance of an equaliser.
The Argentine was quick to check on his fellow South American – as City players rushed in concerned.
Ederson was cleared to carry on but was soon was replaced by Ortega.
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Victory put Guardiola’s champions two points clear of Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s final day.
Erling Haaland slotted City’s opener early in the second period and thumped home a penalty clincher at the start of TEN MINUTES of stoppage time.
Meanwhile, fans on social media reckon Ederson’s heated reaction was mainly due to the possibility of missing out on Sunday’s last game – at home to West Ham – and perhaps even the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.
One viewer posted: “He wants to do the job himself.”
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And even though medics had cleared Ederson to play on, some observers praised City for playing it safe by replacing him.
One fan wrote: “Good to see the club thinking of the players health over what he wants. Concussion is so serious and a 2nd blow to the head could make it much worse.”
City’s triumph put City on the brink of a fourth Prem crown in a row.
Victory over the mid-table Hammers at the Etihad this weekend will guarantee them the title.
But if City draw, Arsenal can pip them on goal difference if they pick up three points at home to Everton.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
