Man City boss Pep Guardiola admits he goes to bed thinking about Spurs

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he still can’t get over the fact that VAR ruled out a last-minute winner for Manchester City in their clash against Tottenham earlier in the season.

Spurs travelled to the Etihad Stadium to take on City in the second game of the current campaign back in August and despite being second best for most of the game, the lilywhites managed to come away with a 2-2 draw.

The home side had the ball in the back of the net in stoppage time when Gabriel Jesus slotted home from close range. However, VAR intervened and ruled that Aymeric Laporte had handled the ball in the build-up.

This was the second time in just a few months that VAR has intervened to Spurs’ advantage against Man City after Guardiola’s side were dramatically knocked out in the quarter-final of the Champions League last season.

The Manchester City manager insisted that being denied victory after playing so well in their first home game of the season was the beginning of their problems.

Speaking about the VAR incident, Guardiola told Manchester Evening News: “I still don’t understand how they disallowed that goal, honestly. Still I don’t understand. Sometimes I go to sleep thinking about that 93rd minute. I remember the players from Tottenham said ‘why was it disallowed?’ and even Lloris was laughing.

“After that, we were behind Liverpool. It’s impossible to play the way we played every there days but in that level I know the referees are not involved but when you are not in the high level the little details can make a big difference.

“When the opponent is better I’m the first guy to say congratulations, but sometimes in specific moments in the season, when we are not on top…next season will be better, I’m pretty sure of that.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While VAR has deservedly come in for a lot of criticism this season, one has to also admit that the technology has worked well on many occasions. Gabriel Jesus’ goal being ruled out was the correct call. Based on the new handball rules, fouls will be called if the attacking team gets an advantage even from an unintentional handball.

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