- Pep Guardiola asked about Arsenal VAR row
- West Ham saw late equaliser ruled out
- Man City still need title race twist
Pep Guardiola has refused to be dragged into the latest Arsenal VAR storm, after West Ham saw a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out in controversial fashion.
Man City are still relying on Arsenal to slip up if they are to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. Likewise, the London derby on Sunday was a significant fixture from the Citizens’ perspective.
Guardiola’s men had done their job the day before by winning 3-0 against Brentford. For a few seconds, it looked like the Hammers had delivered the twist Man City needed.
Callum Wilson had scored a 90+5 equaliser for the home side only to be ruled out by VAR minutes later. The incident sparked another debate after multiple players were wrestling around the six-yard box.
Pep Guardiola refuses to judge Arsenal VAR row
Following the equaliser, Chris Kavanagh was sent to the monitor after VAR reviewed for a possible foul on David Raya. Pablo Felipe was eventually penalised, and the goal was ruled out.
Following the incident, West Ham are expected to seek further clarification from the PGMO. Guardiola was also quizzed over the controversy in a pre-match press conference, but the Catalan manager refused draw conclusions.
“I am not the right person to ask. As I have said in the past, it is a question for the referees and what they decide, not me,” Guardiola said in his press conference.
He also added, “VAR was not installed last weekend. It has arrived for many years here. We adapt, we know it, everyone knows it.”
City denied their twist moment
Had the West Ham goal been allowed, Arsenal would be at 77 points right now, only three points off second-placed Man City.
Guardiola’s men also have a game in hand and have scored more goals than Arsenal this season. The only problem would’ve been the goal difference.
However, considering City’s recent performances, a +1 GD wouldn’t have been that hard to overcome. Nevertheless, the decision was ruled in the Gunners’ favour, and they remain the favourites to win the title.
Man City need to keep applying pressure
Regardless, City are doing everything in their control to turn the tide. Guardiola’s men face Crystal Palace next at home, which should be an easier clash than Brentford on paper.
Arsenal won’t be playing another game until the 18th, as they face Burnley next, which will be an even easier clash than the London derby.
However, all Man City can do now is keep scoring more goals and wait for Arteta’s men to either draw or lose one of their last two games.
