itstargetnews
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Dominic Solanke’s first goal should not have stood as his side dropped more crucial points in their title race against Tottenham Hotspur.
Solanke stole the show in Tottenham Hotspur’s second-half comeback, finishing level with an incredible scorpion kick.
His first goal was a more scrappy one, with the striker seemingly kicking away Manchester City defender Mark Gay before the ball went past Gianluigi Donnarumma and was initially deemed an own goal before the Premier League awarded the ball to Solanke.
It proved to be a crucial moment in the game as it gave the home side the boost they needed after being booed following a dismal first half. But Guardiola believes that if the roles were reversed, a foul would have been called.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Watch for free: Highlights from Tottenham vs. Manchester City in the Premier League
“If the centre-back does that to the striker, it’s a penalty, right?” Guardiola said at the post-match press conference.
The Manchester City boss isn’t afraid to share his view that his side have been hit hard by decisions that went against them in recent times, and continued that line of thinking by advising the referee that Tottenham’s first goal was awarded.
“My past views have not changed,” he added.
“We would rather not make that switch but I don’t mind the referee bringing an emotional issue to Tottenham’s goal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola questioned the decision to allow Dominic Solanke to score the first goal after the Tottenham striker appeared to kick Mark Ghosh in the back of the leg to score
“It was hard to control the momentum after that. It was a good game.”
“Against Manchester United, I can say a lot (about our performance). Today, overall, we played very well.”
Frank: We want a higher barrier to entry
tottenham hotspur boss Thomas Frank On Dominic Solanke’s first goal:
“I think Solanke has a clear link to that.
“We want a higher bar. I know it’s in a gray area. You look at the Liverpool goal[against Tottenham]Hugo Ekitic had two hands behind Romero’s back.
Dominic Solanke celebrates with teammates after pulling a goal back for Tottenham
“I’m glad it went in our favour, it’s very fair.”
Pep claims Manchester City are still in the title race
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Gary Neville analyzes how Manchester City’s Premier League title race is shaping up after Arsenal beat Leeds United on Saturday as they dropped points against Tottenham
The draw with Tottenham meant Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table to six points after playing the same number of games as Manchester City.
However, Guardiola played down suggestions that the gap is so wide that he needs to prioritize other competitions outside of the Premier League.
“So are you telling me we’re going to stop in the Premier League? We’ve got 14 games left,” he said.
“We have injuries. A month ago we had a lot of injuries. Nine or 10 players were out. We know that, but at the same time, we are there and we will continue.
“The calendar is what it is, now we have a (Carabao Cup) semi-final, the final next Wednesday and then after Anfield. That’s what we have to do.”
“As long as there is a chance, there will always be hope.”
Analysis: Manchester City ultimately punished for second-half sloppiness
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
Manchester City’s performance was very relaxed in the first half. They don’t need to lose first gear at Tottenham. Problem is: they stayed there for the rest of the game.
More Manchester City lose to Arsenal in title race
A common theme for Guardiola’s side was a slow second half after taking a 2-0 lead.
Joao Gomez and Jurgen Strand-Larsen should have pulled a goal back for the league’s bottom side against Wolves, but they missed their chances. Victor Osimhen should score one or two for Galatasaray in midweek. This Spurs slump is just too much – it feels like two second-half goals conceded in the Manchester derby
Pep Guardiola said Dominic Solanke’s first-ever goal came as a result of a collision with Mark Guillory and his Manchester City side were emotionally unfair. He said the duel was missed, particularly by the full-backs, with Nico O’Reilly and Nico Gonzalez getting mixed up in the equaliser.
Then Guardiola’s excuses started to appear. The blame for the Solanke incident follows complaints about not being awarded a penalty against Wolves and Diogo Dalot remaining on the pitch in the Manchester derby. The reality is that City have struggled in the most important parts of the game.
Is it a physical issue, are injuries plaguing them? Have there been too many new players in the past 12 months? It’s all a reminder that this is not the City of years past. How many times in the past have Guardiola’s teams ended the game early and stayed ahead, perhaps pushing for more?
They need to sort out their second half issues quickly as their next opponent in the Premier League is Liverpool. The gap with Arsenal cannot widen any further.
