The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium unfolded in a strangely quiet setting, with the home team’s Champions League aspirations hanging in the balance. Despite the subdued crowd, City broke the deadlock post-interval when Haaland converted a cross from Kevin De Bruyne.

After Ederson’s departure due to a head injury, which he protested vehemently, backup keeper Stefan Ortega stepped up, making crucial saves against Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-Min Son. Haaland then doubled City’s lead with a penalty, following a foul on Jeremy Doku by Pedro Porro.

City’s triumph marked their eighth consecutive win in the league, setting the stage for Pep Guardiola’s squad to clinch an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title should they overcome West Ham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Meanwhile, Arsenal faces the challenge of defeating Everton at home and relying on a City stumble to snatch the title.

The first half saw City lack their characteristic sharpness, despite Spurs’ early offensive efforts led by Rodrigo Bentancur. Guglielmo Vicario, in goal for Spurs, denied Phil Foden with an outstanding save, while City’s defense, notably Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin, thwarted Spurs’ attempts to gain an advantage.

The second half began with opportunities for both teams, but it was City who struck first. De Bruyne’s precise delivery found Haaland, who made no mistake from close range. Spurs fans mockingly chanted towards Arsenal, but their team struggled to find an equalizer, with Ortega denying Kulusevski and Son.

Despite the tension following Ederson’s forced substitution, City maintained composure and sealed a significant win with Haaland’s spot-kick, edging closer to lifting the Premier League trophy once more.