 |
| Photo=Daily Sports |
|
Has Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola ever reacted so strongly.
Manchester City drew 2-2 in the fifth round of the English Premier League (EPL) in 2024-2025 season at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on the 23rd (Korea time). Manchester City had to settle for one point at home against ten Arsenal.
Manchester City took the lead in the eighth minute of the first half with Erling Holan's score, but suffered a huge loss of power. In the 21st minute of the first half, Rodri, a key midfielder, suddenly collapsed during the corner kick contest. Despite no violent clashes, Rodri was unable to stand up with her knees clenched.
In the end, Guardiola quickly prepared Matteo Kovacic. Arsenal were preparing for a free kick near the halfway line when Kovacic entered the stadium as a substitute. At this time, referee Michael Oliver called Manchester City captain Kyle Walker. It seems that he had an issue to talk to Walker, the Manchester City captain, about the foul.
It was also a rather dizzy situation with one Arsenal player lying on the ground. Arsenal's free kick followed immediately as Walker returned from talks with Manchester City players after talking with referee Oliver.
Walker immediately raised his hands and protested as the game suddenly progressed without properly setting up a defensive posture. Other Manchester City players were somewhat slow to react. However, the referee played the game regardless. Gabriel Martinelli came in and gave the ball to Ricardo Calafiori, and Calafiori's fantastic score was scored.
Referee Oliver conceded the score as it was. Angered by the sudden progress of the game, Walker strongly protested to referee Oliver, but to no avail. At this time, Ederson Moraes, who was fiercely arguing, was even warned.
 |
| 사진=더 선 |
|
 |
| 사진=더 선 |
|
Guardiola also couldn't hold back his anger on the bench. Guardiola kicked his chair when he lost a point somewhat unfairly at a time when he knew the importance of the match against Arsenal better than anyone else. Guardiola is usually very responsive, but it was unusual to be so angry.
In this regard, British Daily Sports reported that Guardiola was unhappy with the referee's decision. Arsenal started the offensive play by getting a free-kick in the middle of the pitch without a whistle. Man City players insisted Arsenal had scored unfairly and argued strongly against referee Oliver.
Guardiola's anger may not have gone away even after the game. This is because he was defeated in a game where he felt he lost a point in an unreasonable situation. Arsenal were playing with 10 players throughout the second half due to Leandro Trossar's exit at the end of the first half, as they failed to bring three points home.
rlaeotlr2024@sportschosun.com
