Pep Guardiola claims Manchester City’s success has come in spite of refereeing decisions, after a controversial penalty call in their win over Wolves.
PEP Guardiola claimed his Manchester City success has come “despite” refereeing decisions after a controversial 2-0 Premier League win over Wolves.
City were denied a first-half penalty when debutant referee Farai Hallam refused to overturn his decision not to award a handball against Yerson Mosquera after a VAR review.
Guardiola also referenced Diogo Dalot escaping a red card for a challenge on Jeremy Doku in City’s defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
The manager has won six Premier League titles in nine full seasons in England.
City finished second last season amid an injury crisis and currently trail leaders Arsenal by four points.
“These two seasons I had the feeling, why don’t I have the players? That is my only regret,” said Guardiola.
“I would love to have the players to fight against that. They won despite them.”
He added of the referee: “He made a huge debut. Now everybody will know him.”
Guardiola’s decision to rest Erling Haaland was vindicated as Omar Marmoush opened the scoring.
Antoine Semenyo then scored his third goal since joining from Bournemouth earlier this month.
Marc Guehi also made his City debut in defence after signing from Crystal Palace.
Guardiola believes his new signings will be crucial for the second half of the season.
“Antoine came with incredible energy and strikers are about numbers,” he added.
“Marc, I don’t need to tell you who he is. He knows everything.”
“He’s the perfect age and he’s the perfect signing for many, many years.”
“He’s a guy you can rely on. I see it in two sessions.”
