Pep Guardiola Frustrated as VAR Allows Solanke Goal in Man City’s 2-2 Spurs Draw
Pep Guardiola expressed clear dissatisfaction after Manchester City dropped points in a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham on Sunday, questioning the decision to allow Dominic Solanke’s first goal to stand.
Pep Guardiola voiced frustration after VAR allowed Dominic Solanke’s controversial opener as Manchester City let a 2-0 lead slip in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham.
City appeared firmly in control during the opening half, racing into a deserved 2-0 lead before the interval. Rayan Cherki struck early, and Antoine Semenyo followed up to double the advantage in a dominant first-half display that could easily have produced more goals for the visitors.
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However, the match shifted dramatically after the break. Tottenham responded with renewed intensity, and Solanke proved decisive, scoring twice to rescue a point for Spurs. His second goal, a spectacular scorpion kick, drew admiration, but it was his first strike that sparked controversy.
Solanke’s opener appeared to involve contact through the legs of defender Marc Guehi, with the ball also striking the defender’s calf before finding the net. Despite strong protests from City players and staff, the goal survived a VAR review, much to Guardiola’s annoyance.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Guardiola suggested the decision would have been different if the roles were reversed. He stated that similar contact on a striker by a defender would normally result in a penalty, adding pointedly that such incidents remain “fascinating” in the Premier League.
Guardiola reiterated his stance during his post-match press conference, again questioning the consistency of officiating and implying the challenge met the threshold usually punished in the box.
Reflecting on City’s inability to see out games, Guardiola acknowledged that momentum swings are common in English football. He admitted his side have lacked consistency across a long stretch of fixtures, noting that the six-point gap to league leaders Arsenal reflects that reality.
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank also addressed the disputed goal, admitting he understood City’s frustration. However, he argued Spurs have suffered from controversial decisions earlier in the season and felt this call helped restore balance.
Frank referenced a previous incident involving Liverpool, suggesting that decision lacked ambiguity and that Tottenham were overdue a favourable outcome. He added that he was pleased the call went their way this time.
Manchester City now face a pivotal period in their campaign. They host Newcastle on Wednesday in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, holding a 2-0 advantage. Next weekend, they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, with Arsenal potentially extending their lead at the top to nine points by then.
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