Man City fans all make same point after Stefan Ortega ‘howler’ at Southampton

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was left embarrassed after letting Moussa Djenepo’s long-range strike dip into his net as Southampton took a shock lead in the Carabao Cup.

The Saints, who came into tonight’s knockout game with very little expectation on their shoulders, have started superbly.

Summer-signing Sekou Mara opened the scoring after 20 minutes after the former Bordeaux hitman finished off a lovely counter-attack, however, it’ll be Moussa Djenepo’s lobbed effort that makes headlines should the Saints manage to hold on to reach the semi-finals.

The Mali international spotted Stefan Ortega off his line and executed a brilliant lobbed effort from well outside his opponent’s area.

The 30-year-old, who was signed from Arminia Bielefeld in the summer window, was closer to the edge of the 18-yard box than his own goal as Djenepo’s shot sailed over his head. Ortega scrambled back towards his goal but was unable to keep out the effort.

Check out the moment the Saints’ number 19 had Saint Mary’s on their feet below.

https://ozue02.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/VID_20230111_215933_220.mp4?time=1673420758

That sparked criticism on social media with many fans questioning the keeper’s positioning and overall ability.

One supporter wrote: “What is Ortega doing .”

Another added: “Ederson would never.”

And a third said: “Ortega is worst than [Zack] Steffen .”

A ffourth said: “Ederson hadn’t had a howler in so long that Ortega decided to do it for him”

Another commented: “Sub off Ortega.”

Another added: “Remember people wanted Ortega starting over eddy apologize now.”

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp was also perplexed by Ortega, saying: “I’ve no idea what he’s trying to do there from a goalkeeper’s point of view.”

“Well, this is incredible, but I just wonder about Stefan Ortega’s positioning,” observed Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman. “He’s well off his line. It’s just a case of, can they spot it?”

Speaking over a replay of the stunning strike, Goodman added: “For Djenepo, the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’. I mean, it’s a brilliant execution, but look how far out the goalkeeper is. He can’t get back.

“I just think that’s a really poor starting position. But take nothing away from Djenepo. You’ve still got to apply the finish. And he does.

“It’s brilliant from Southampton. It has been from the first minute up until now. They have given themselves such a foundation. Can they go on and win this tie?”