Manu Akanji was one of the most relieved men in North London after Stefan Ortega prevented his error from being punished against Tottenham.

Manchester City were holding a 1-0 lead in the 86th minute of their penultimate Premier League game when Akanji tried to play a ball with his back to goal and saw it nicked off him and City tormentor Son Heung-min tearing through on goal. Pep Guardiola fell backwards in anticipation of a knockout blow, only for substitute keeper Ortega to hold his ground and make a crucial save.

Many Blues had their hearts in their mouths at that point, and the same was true of Akanji as he looked on in horror at the scene that had unfolded in front of him. As soon as there was chance, the defender was straight over to his keeper to thank him.

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“I was so nervous, and I was praying that the ball wouldn’t go in and right after the game I went to Stef and thanked him for the incredible save and for saving me," he said. "He saved the game for us.

"I should have made an easy decision and kicked the ball away. I tried to play it and brought myself into a sticky situation and lost the ball. Stefan made a brilliant save and that’s why you’ve got teammates to help you out of situations. I’m really thankful for it.

"He made some huge saves for us - I know what he’s capable of. It was not the first time that he’s come in and done really well - he did it at Anfield. I don’t think there’s a more difficult game to come in to and he’s proving himself every time he plays. I’m really happy for him.”

City were leading thanks to an Erling Haaland goal that Kevin De Bruyne set up for him, and De Bruyne went off at the same time as Ederson after a nasty challenge on his Achilles. The Belgian has since given reassurances that the injury was only an impact blow, and Akanji knows how important De Bruyne is to the team.

"He’s an unbelievable player - you can see it all the time," he said. "We need him - especially offensively as what he brings to the team is unbelievable.”