Pep Guardiola: I don’t blame the referee for Manchester City’s draw with Tottenham

Posted Sunday, January 22, 2017 by squawka.com

Pep Guardiola was disappointed that Manchester City only managed a 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur, but refused to blame it on the referee's performance.

Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne gave the hosts a 2-0 lead, but Guardiola thought Dele Alli's first goal was a handball, although it did look debatable when replays were shown.

The Catalan boss was right to be upset with his players, as they had 17 shots to the north Londoners' six, and for most of the first half it looked like they would run out easy winners, but City continually struggled to take their chances.

He told BT Sport post-match: "The first goal we conceded was handball. We can't start to see every single detail, in England it's different. It wasn't a penalty. From my side, there's no complaint about from me about the referee."

With City leading 2-1 and Raheem Sterling bearing down on Hugo Lloris, Kyle Walker appeared to push him and the winger sent his shot into the stands. Within two minutes the visitors were level when substitute Son Heung-Min connected with Harry Kane's flick to get Spurs back into the game.

Although it's an improvement on last week's 4-0 drubbing at Everton, City are still nine points behind leaders Chelsea, who now have a game in hand.

Their next opportunity to get a Premier League win will come at West Ham United, having knocked them out of the FA Cup by beating them 5-0.

Before that, they have an FA Cup fourth round tie against Crystal Palace next weekend. The Citizens may find themselves facing a weakened team, as Sam Allardyce attempts to keep the Eagles in the top flight.