Guardiola Blasts VAR Decision After Manchester City Slip-Up
Another costly draw for City, and controversy once again took center stage. Pep Guardiola did not hide his frustration after a VAR decision changed the course of the match.
A Draw That Raises More Questions Than Answers
Manchester City let a commanding position slip away and settled for a draw against Tottenham, a result that quickly turned the spotlight toward refereeing decisions. Beyond the impact on the Premier League table, the match left a clear image: the growing frustration of Pep Guardiola, once again vocal after a pivotal moment altered the game.
City appeared in control both in performance and on the scoreboard, but a single controversial action shifted the momentum and ignited debate inside the Etihad Stadium.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
With City leading 2–0, Tottenham pulled one back through a sequence that immediately divided opinion. Dominic Solanke applied pressure from behind on Marc Guéhi, who ended up turning the ball into his own net while trying to clear.
The play was reviewed by the VAR, which upheld the goal after determining that Solanke made contact with the ball first. The decision did not sit well with Guardiola or the City coaching staff, who felt a foul had clearly occurred before the goal.
Guardiola’s Ironic and Pointed Response
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola avoided a direct attack on the officials but made his stance unmistakably clear. The City manager questioned whether the incident could genuinely be considered a fair challenge.
“Marc Guéhi had possession, he was kicked from behind and it was a goal. What could I say? Nothing,” Guardiola said, visibly annoyed. He later added with heavy irony: “They say Solanke touched the ball first and that’s why it counts. It’s fascinating.”
Another Setback in the Title Race
The draw prevented Manchester City from closing the gap on Arsenal, leaving Guardiola’s side six points off the top of the table. A margin that adds pressure, even if the City boss insists the title race is far from over.
“There are 14 games left, a lot of points to play for,” Guardiola said, attempting to keep perspective. Still, in a season where margins are razor-thin, this decision once again left City feeling they had dropped more than just two points.
