The Premier League 2024-25 table-toppers, Manchester City have had a superb start to their season as they went on to draw their match against Arsenal 2-2 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Sunday, September 22. During the crucial match, the home side took an early lead inside the ten minutes through Erling Haaland’s 100th goal for City.
However, Arsenal bounced back to score an equaliser within 13 minutes through Riccardo Calafiori’s edge of the box. Just after this equaliser from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, several City players were seen rushing to the referee, Michael Oliver, complaining of not receiving the signal for the game to go on after the free-kick. City captain, Kyle Walker was also seen having a brief chat with the referee for the same, showing discontent with the decision.
Guardiola fumes in anger; kicks chair after controversial Arsenal goal
Just at the same time, City manager, Pep Guardiola, who is often seen expressing his anger and frustration on the sidelines of the match, was once again caught bringing it back as he kicked his chair in the dugout after controversial Arsenal goal. Moreover, Guardiola was seen berating fourth official Andrew Madley and yelling at his assistants after Oliver shrugged off on-field complaints as the game continued.
Next time, we will not go to talk to them: Pep Guardiola after City-Arsenal’s 2-2 draw
Pep Guardiola opened up on the controversial moment after City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Speaking with SkySports, the Catalan football manager said, “Next time, we’ll not go to talk to the referee”. “Kyle Walker was just right. The referee asked him to come to talk to him and the other ones, and when that happens some players have to be close to the ball, and we have to readjust the back-four, but they didn’t have time,” he added.
“But Kyle arrived in the position, and after Calafiori made a good goal. But we knew that always every free-kick that they contact quick with the wingers and they are really good with Saka and Martinelli, and I don’t like the back-four when it’s a foul and they move on,” the 53-year-old said.
“When the referee says: Come to talk to me… at least leave him to come back to the position. Because next time, we will not go to talk to them,” he then concluded. The Kyle Walker-led City will next take on Watford on September 25 in the EFL Cup at 12:15 am, whereas their next Premier League clash is scheduled for September 28 against Newcastle United.