Man City won’t surrender in title race – Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester City will continue to fight for the Premier League title despite surrendering a two-goal lead in a damaging 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
City surged ahead in north London with first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, appearing to be in firm control of the contest.
However, the champions collapsed after the break. Dominic Solanke pulled one back for Spurs after bundling the ball home off the leg of City defender Marc Guehi. Although the incident was reviewed by VAR, the goal was allowed to stand.
Tottenham’s pressure intensified and Solanke completed the comeback with a spectacular scorpion-kick equaliser, latching onto a cross from Conor Gallagher.
The stunning strike proved a major blow to second-placed City, who now trail league leaders Arsenal by six points.
Guardiola voiced his frustration over Tottenham’s first goal, suggesting it would have been penalised at the other end.
“If a central defender does it to a striker, it’s a penalty,” he said.
“The game was well played and sometimes with long balls and second balls, you miss it.
“We would prefer not to have those transitions, but emotionally, after the first goal the referee conceded to Spurs, the momentum became difficult to control.”
The City manager was booked for his protests and appeared incredulous as replays of the incident were shown on the big screens inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
City have now won just once in their last six league matches, allowing Arsenal to recover from a recent dip in form. The Gunners’ 4–0 win over Leeds United on Saturday suggested they are back on track.
Nevertheless, Guardiola remains confident his side can still overhaul Mikel Arteta’s team.
“With 14 games to play, the chance is there. The hope will always be there,” he said.
“I know that in the past these are the types of games you had to win, but we’ve had difficulties.
“One month ago we had nine or ten players injured. Now players are coming back, and I saw many positive things.”
For injury-hit Tottenham, the draw was a timely boost for under-pressure head coach Thomas Frank.
The Dane had faced growing calls for his dismissal in recent weeks, but steering Spurs into the Champions League last 16 has renewed belief within the squad.
With 11 players unavailable, and both Solanke and Archie Gray struggling towards the end, Frank praised the resilience of his depleted side.
“I’m extremely happy that we finally got a point from a big second half,” he said.
“This team’s ability to respond to setbacks and show resilience is growing bit by bit.
“We are building something, even with players dropping left, right and centre due to injuries. I’m very proud of the players.”
By AFP
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