Tuesday evening's Premier League meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City was always going to be a bizarre occasion and it more than lived up to its billing.
City went into the fixture knowing that a win would leave their Premier League fate in their own hands going into the final round of fixtures this weekend.
Spurs however, had a dilemma on knowing that a win of their own would keep their slim UEFA Champions League qualification hopes alive.
They knew they could still mathematically qualify in the event of an Aston Villa defeat on the final day, however beating City would give rivals Arsenal the advantage in the title race.
The bizarre dynamic meant that Arsenal fans far and wide had been cheering on their fiercest rivals to do them a favour, while a vocal portion of Spurs supporters were actively rooting against their own team.
Ultimately, City would put one hand on the Premier League trophy with a 2-0 win but the night was memorable for a number of bizarre events that happened on and off the field.
Fans in Spurs jerseys removed for reportedly celebrating Man City goal
Two fans - clad in Spurs jerseys - were filmed being removed from seats their for reportedly celebrating City's opening goal, one which had negative consequences for Arsenal's title hopes.
One Spurs supporter appeared to take issue with two other spectators in the video clip, bringing them to the attention of a steward who was working at the ground.
After a discussion the duo were caught walking up the stands towards the exit and away from their seats as the game continued on.
Two people who celebrated City’s goal wearing (old, blue) Spurs shirts in the home end are eventually ejected after other fans (one in particular) gets involved. pic.twitter.com/LqSIcfHFQx
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) May 14, 2024
A report from the Daily Mail prior to the game had indicated that security would be on the lookout for Arsenal supporters disguised as Spurs fans and that they would eject them from the game.
Of course, in this case it appears the duo were either genuine Spurs fans or City supporters in disguise given it was Erling Haaland's opener that they celebrated.
Haaland would add a second from the penalty spot, but not before replacement City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made a remarkable series of saves, including denying Son Heung-min in a moment which won him the Man of the Match award.
What a vital save that is in the title race from Stefan Ortega! 😲 pic.twitter.com/XatVw2GetK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024
Ortega was introduced midway through the second-half after a controversial moment in which Ederson was on the receiving end of a painful, albeit inadvertent, hit from Christian Romero.
The concerning moment came in the 62nd minute when Romero attempted to get on the end of a Dejan Kulusevski cross but instead clattered the goalkeeper.
City players, and Romero it must be said, quickly gestured for medical attention for the Brazilian who lay motionless, according to Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury.
EDERSON seems to be inured and the City players want a red card. Foul by Romero. Yellow for him #TOTMCI
pic.twitter.com/GrzlomlJKh— Fernansh Era (@BrunoFernanshh) May 14, 2024
Thankfully Ederson belatedly got back to his feet on his own accord as Man City's medical team continued to assess him, with Romero being brandished a yellow card by VAR.
Ederson, meanwhile, was intent on playing on and remained on the pitch when play resumed, although he slipped as he kicked the ball from the restart.
A distraught Ederson's reaction to being substituted following a painful collision. pic.twitter.com/3YQ0hiNEkY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024
City boss Pep Guardiola then made the decision to substitute Ederson for reserve 'keeper Ortega in what was not an official concussion substitution.
Ederson kicked out in frustration as he left the field before putting his head in his hands, although Guardiola's decision proved to be the right one.
He was not the only frustrated player on the night, with Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur showing his displeasure after being removed in the second-half.
Bentancur was not happy 😳 pic.twitter.com/OUNFE7Km1H
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024
Just an utterly bizarre night of Premier League action, which was made all the more unusual by the fact that the Spurs fans found their voice when the game was dead and buried.
There was elation however for Aston Villa who have secured their return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1982-83 season.
THIS MOMENT. pic.twitter.com/y5aLjEsq6t
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 14, 2024
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was among the celebrations, spraying champaigne amid the jubilant scenes.
🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾 pic.twitter.com/br40FviYYy
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 14, 2024
It has been a remarkable campaign for the Villains, who picked up two wins against Arsenal this season as well as a home win against City en route to securing European football.
Unai Emery's side will join City, Arsenal and Liverpool in playing in the famous competition from next season.
All in all, it has certainly one of the most bizarre Premier League nights in recent memory.
