“It’s a penalty, right?” – Pep Guardiola issues assessment of controversial Tottenham goal against Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a perfect analysis of Tottenham’s controversial first goal during the 2-2 draw in North London on Sunday.

The incident proved to be a major talking point in a match that swung dramatically after the interval, with City relinquishing a commanding first-half advantage, leaving frustrated as the game turned on moments that the visitors felt went against them.

That sense of frustration followed on from themes highlighted by Pep Lijnders ahead of the trip to Tottenham, warning the squad they could not afford further slip-ups with Sunday’s outcome carrying added significance in the context of the title race.

On the pitch, Manchester City appeared firmly in control before the break, with Rayan Cherki’s opener and a well-worked second goal before half-time reflecting dominance. Spurs were largely second-best and faced audible discontent from supporters as City dictated tempo.

However, the game shifted after the restart as Tottenham emerged with renewed intensity and began to apply sustained pressure, eventually finding a route back into the contest when Dominic Solanke reduced the deficit – a goal City felt should not have stood due to contact on Marc Guéhi in the build-up.

Quizzed after the contest from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the decision from match officials to allow Solanke’s opening goal for the hosts, Pep Guardiola told reporters, “If a central defender does [that] to a striker, it’s a penalty, right?”

Guardiola continued, “Nothing will change the opinion I have [on the standard of officiating in Manchester City matches] in the past, once again.”

Despite City’s protests, VAR upheld the on-field decision, determining Dominic Solanke had played the ball prior to contact with Guehi, and as such no foul had occurred. The striker later produced a moment of individual brilliance to equalise, completing Tottenham’s comeback and ensuring the points were shared.

For Manchester City, the draw leaves further ground surrendered in the title race, lying six points behind the Gunners after their impressive 0-4 win away at Leeds United, with the Sky Blues next heading to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Before then, the Etihad Stadium will play host to a Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg meeting between Manchester City and Newcastle United, with the hosts carrying a 2-0 advantage from last month’s first portion of 90 minutes in the North-East of England.