BOTH Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur and Man City’s Ederson threw huge tantrums after being subbed last night.
The furious Spurs star almost fell over while kicking a chair in the dug-out before the Brazilian keeper booted a drinks crate after an injury scare.
The angry scenes occurred during Man City’s 2-0 win at Tottenham that moved them to within one victory of a record fourth-straight Premier League title.
Uruguayan midfielder Bentancur, 26, launched a WWE-style assault on his chair after being replaced by Dejan Kulusevski.
And to add insult to injury, the chair almost won as the star just about kept his balance as he looked set to take a tumble after his outburst.
City had just taken the lead through Erling Haaland after 51 minutes, which led to some home fans APPLAUDING their team conceded the goal that might deny the Gunners the title, when Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou decided to shuffle his deck.
Then Ederson was taken off in tears and anger after a nasty collision while denying Spurs an equaliser left him with a black eye.
The stopper was caught in the face by a lunge from Cristian Romero as the Tottenham defender followed in to try and convert a rebound.
The Argentine was quick to check on his fellow South American – as City players rushed in concerned – before Ederson was eventually cleared to carry on by medics.
However, boss Pep Guardiola was not prepared to take any chances and he decided to bring on back-up keeper Stefan Ortega as his side looked to protect their 1-0 lead.
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Even though medics had cleared Ederson to play on, most observers felt City made the right choice amid potential concussion concerns.
And it proved to be inspired as Ortega came on and produced an excellent save to deny Son Heung-min an equaliser that led to him being named man of the match.
But Ederson was furious as he left the field on 67 minutes and, after a heated chat with Guardiola, he started kicking at a cool box near the dug-out.
He then slammed his gloves down into the seat before pulling his shirt up over his face while his team-mates tried to console and calm him.
The cameras then spotted him crying for several minutes afterwards with perhaps him now fearing whether he will get the green light to face West Ham on Sunday.
City now know that they only need a victory over the Hammers to claim a never-before-done fourth straight title.
That is after Haaland secured them victory seconds after Ortega’s incredible save by slotting home a second from the penalty spot.
The Cityzens are now two points ahead of challengers Arsenal, who take on Everton on the final day.
Guardiola’s men are also looking to complete a league and cup double.
They face Manchester United in the FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday 25 May.
But Guardiola has confirmed that Ederson could potentially be a doubt for their crunch game against the Hammers and maybe the final – although Ortega has been their regular keeper in that competition and played in last year’s win over United.
He said: “Ederson did not have a concussion; he had a problem with his eye.
“He could not see properly, so the doctor said I should change him. He had a kick in the eye, and it is swollen.
“The doctor told me he needed to be replaced. I didn’t have an alternative.”
Meanwhile, Bentancur and Tottenham’s frustration was compounded by them missing out on Champions League football.
Last night’s defeat ensured that they cannot catch fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Now they need a point from their final match at already-relegated Sheffield United to ensure that they hold on to fifth spot to reach the Europa League.
By Lee Scott
PHIL FODEN ran away with the voting for Footballer of the Year – and it’s easy to see why.
Foden has been transformed into Man City’s new David Silva and England’s Euro 2024 swiss army knife.
Initially used sparingly by Pep Guardiola, the Stockport technician has become a key player for City.
Foden’s his tactical intelligence and game understanding make him stand out week in, week out – even in City’s team of expensively-assembled superstars.
From playing the final pass and running between the lines to leading the press, Foden really can do it all.
Click here to read our tactical analysis of the Premier League’s best player.
