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Pep Guardiola was adamant he would not ‘do a Mikel Arteta’ rant after Manchester City were denied victory against Tottenham.
The Citizens dropped points for the third Premier League game in a row as they were held to a 3-3 draw against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Guardiola’s City side were pegged back by Tottenham who snatched a point at the EtihadAFP
City, who have now drawn three matches in a row despite leading against Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs, sit third in the table – three points behind leaders Arsenal.
But they could have claimed all three points had Simon Hooper continued to allow play to go on after Erling Haaland had sent Jack Grealish through on goal.
The referee, who initially signalled the advantage, decided to bring the game back for a free-kick – much to anger of the City squad – with Haaland venting his fury on social media.
Guardiola was asked about the controversial incident by Sky Sports, but he decided to remain tight-lipped.
Though he did reference Arsenal manager Arteta’s angry outburst following the Gunners’ defeat at Newcastle in November, where he hit out at the ’embarrassing’ and ‘disgraceful’ decisions at St James’ Park.
Arteta was subsequently charged by the Football Association over his comments about Anthony Gordon‘s controversial winner.
Giving his view on Hooper’s decision to award City a free-kick, Guardiola said: “Next question.
“I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment. It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on.
Guardiola refused to criticise the referee over the controversial decision to bring the game backSky Sports
Grealish raced through on goal after being played through by Haaland but Hooper decided to go back on his initial decision to play an advantagebein Sports
The City players were unsurprisingly incensed with HooperGetty
City boss Guardiola referenced Arteta’s angry outburst in his post-match interviewSky Sports
“After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action. 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.”
Speaking on talkSPORT commentary, Adrian Durham was left baffled by Hooper’s call, as he remarked: “What has he done? What has he done? Wow!
“He is through one-on-one and the referee has decided to bring the play back, that is outrageous from the referee, what is he doing?”
Chipping in, ex-England international Micky Gray stated: “You cannot be doing that! Simon Hooper, he’s got to be leaving the whistle in his hand.
“He can’t put it to his mouth, City are on the break there, Jack Grealish made a brilliant run and he’s through on goal.
“But Simon Hooper has brought it back too early, let the game flow, you cannot be doing that in the final few minutes of the game. It’s ridiculous.”
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