Pep Guardiola sarcastically calls Anthony Taylor ‘the master of commander who knows everything’ after Man City’s 3-3 draw with Spurs – and says he won’t make a ‘Mikel Arteta comment’ following late controversy
Pep Guardiola sarcastically singled off fourth official Anthony Taylor after Manchester City's 3-3 draw with Tottenham.
The Spaniard appeared unhappy with referee Simon Hooper's decision to blow the whistle for a foul on Erling Haaland, just as Jack Grealish drove clear through on goal in the final moments of the match.
No offside flag was flagged, and despite play being allowed to continue, Hooper opted to overturn play due to a foul on the Norwegian in the center of the park – despite the clear chance Grealish had at the other end.
Asked if he was given an explanation for the decision, Guardiola told beIN sport: “No, Commander Anthony Taylor's captain knows everything in this business and has not told me anything.”
His comments came moments after he told Sky Sports he would not make a 'Mikel Arteta comment', referring to the Arsenal manager's outburst after his side's loss to Newcastle last month.
Man City were left furious after the referee blew his whistle as Jack Grealish ran through on goal
Pep Guardiola sarcastically hit fourth official Anthony Taylor (right) after the match.
“Next question: I won't comment on MIkel Arteta,” Guardiola said when asked about the incident.
'If you look at the image, the referee blows his whistle after saying 'play on' and then after the passing whistle. This is what I don't understand, action.
'Good play is the most important thing, a shame when you think about Liverpool's game and today's incredible performances in all departments. Creating a lot of chances, being aggressive and feeling like we want to be there.
'It's a shame, but football is like life and sometimes you don't get what you deserve. Congratulations Spurs and on to the next one.
City fell behind inside six minutes at the Etihad through Son Heung-min's strike, before the South Korean striker found the back of his own net three minutes later.
The draw against Tottenham drops City to third place and is three points behind Arsenal
Phil Foden put the hosts ahead just after the half hour but they were put behind again on 69 minutes by a curling effort from Giovani Lo Celso.
Jack Grealish thought he had scored the winner after coming off the bench to give City a 3-2 lead nine minutes from time. But Dejan Kulusevski's powerful header ensured the spoils were shared.
The 3-3 draw with Ange Postecoglou's team drops City to third place, three points behind leaders Arsenal.
They will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Wednesday evening when they visit Villa Park to take on in-form Aston Villa.
