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Manchester City have on hand on the Premier League trophy as Ange Postecoglou loses it with fan

Staff WritersAP
Erling Haaland has put Man City on the brink of another title.
Camera IconErling Haaland has put Man City on the brink of another title. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Erling Haaland has scored twice as Manchester City beat Tottenham 2-0 and moved to within one win of a record fourth-straight Premier League title.

The three-time defending champions will go into the final round of games on Sunday with a two-point lead on second-placed Arsenal.

City host West Ham United, while Arsenal are at home against Everton.

“Of course we know it’s not done,” City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri told Sky Sports.

“We know that it’s going to be tough. We need the support because we need the last effort. If we do it, we can change the history.”

City’s win also meant Aston Villa secured fourth place and qualification for the Champions League ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham in fifth.

Only a win on Wednesday (AEST) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would do for Pep Guardiola’s team if they wanted to return to the summit ahead of the final day and Phil Foden understood the assignment as he almost gave his side the lead in north London.

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City is challenged by Radu Dragusin
Camera IconKevin De Bruyne of Manchester City is challenged by Radu Dragusin Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images

The England international capitalised on a gift from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s sliced clearance which gave him a chance to finish on the volley, but Guglielmo Vicario spread himself to deny him from inside the area.

Kevin De Bruyne responded well after the break after being marked out the game, forcing another save out of Vicario before the Belgium international was instrumental in the build-up to City’s opener.

The midfielder overlapped into a pocket of space which allowed him to pick out Haaland in the 51st minute for a simple tap-in from inside the six-yard area.

The goal was welcomed by cheers and chants of “are you watching Arsenal” from the home section as the goal damaged Spurs’ rivals’ chances of a first title since 2004.

Ederson took a knock to the head in a collision with Cristian Romero and was soon replaced by Ortega. The Brazilian, like Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur before him, reacted angrily on the touchline after being withdrawn.

Pep Guardiola, Manager embraces Ange Postecoglou.
Camera IconPep Guardiola, Manager embraces Ange Postecoglou. Credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

It was not long before City’s second-choice keeper was called upon as Spurs ramped up the pressure.

Dejan Kulusevski’s drilled effort was stopped by Ortega who managed to close his legs to keep his team in front and top of the table.

But Haaland put the game beyond doubt from the penalty spot in the first minute of added time after Pedro Porro had brought down Jeremy Doku, and moments after substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega saved brilliantly from Son Heung-min.

The 2-0 win for City also ended Tottenham’s hope for Champion’s League entry as they now sit five points behind Aston Villa with only one game to play.

Footage also emerged of Postecoglou firing up at a Tottenham fan just behind the team’s bench, although it is unclear exactly what is said by the Aussie boss.

“I think the last 48 hours have revealed to me the foundations are pretty fragile. That’s things I’ve got to go back to the drawing board on,” said Postecoglou.

“(I) Don’t care. Outside, inside, everywhere. It’s been an interesting exercise,” he added.

“I probably misread the situation in what it takes to make a winning team.”

With PA.

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