Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insisted Ederson was not suffering with concussion last night, amid criticism over how the goalkeeper’s head injury was handled.
Ederson required lengthy treatment on the pitch after being involved in a nasty collision with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
The Brazilian continued to play after he was assessed by City doctors, but was replaced by Stefan Ortega a few minutes later.
Ederson, who was unhappy at being taken off, was sporting a shiner under his right eye, but Guardiola said the 30-year-old was not concussed.
“Ederson did not have concussion, he had a problem with his eye,” said the City manager. “He could not see properly, so the doctor said I should change.”
Ederson now faces a nervous wait to see if he is fit for the final game of the season, against West Ham on Sunday. Kevin De Bruyne is also a doubt after being forced off at the same time as Ederson with an ankle issue.
Guardiola hailed the performance of Ortega, who made a fine save to deny Heung-min Son late on.
“Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper,” said the City boss. “An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper. He defined, I would say, how the team is a team. Ortega saved the actions, otherwise Arsenal will be champions.
“Do you know how many times Son punished us in the last seven or eight years? I said, ‘No, not again’, but Stefan made an incredible save.”
Ortega’s save helped City secure three crucial points, which means they go into the final day of the season two points ahead of Arsenal and knowing a win over West Ham at the Etihad will give them the title for the fourth straight season.
