Following a controversial referee decision that impacted Manchester City’s victory against Tottenham on Sunday, Pep Guardiola carefully reprimanded Mikel Arteta without officially mentioning his name in a post-match press conference.
The incident happened in the final seconds of extra time, with the score tied at 3-3. When Jack Grealish broke away on goal, the referee stopped play for a foul on Erling Haaland in midfield, denying City a late winner.
Speaking to Sky Sports about the late controversy after his side fell to their third consecutive draw in the Premier League, Guardiola said: “Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment.” Although he did eventually give his take.
“It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action,” he added.
“It was a good game, that is the most important thing. It was a pity, same as the Liverpool game, I had the feeling that today that we made an incredible performance in all departments, against a really good team and manager and how they play.
“We created a lot of chances, we were aggressive, incredibly concentrated, and the feeling is that we still want to be there [at the top of the table]. It is a pity. Sometimes football is like life, you do not get what you deserve.”
Guardiola, recognized for his technical prowess and occasional outspokenness, avoided a verbal brawl like to Arteta’s previous spat with the Football Association (FA).
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger faces FA accusations after calling a VAR judgment in their defeat to Newcastle “an absolute disgrace.”
The FA accused Arteta of misconduct, citing his comments as insulting towards match officials and detrimental to the game’s reputation.
Guardiola’s measured response, in which he refused to make a “Mikel Arteta comment,” reveals an intentional effort to avoid disciplinary sanctions.
The drama fuels continuing arguments about VAR rulings, leaving fans and commentators wondering the consistency and significance of refereeing decisions in important times.
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