Pep Guardiola hits out at referee and says ‘without Haaland it would be tough†| Manchester City

Pep Guardiola praised Erling Haaland after the strikerâ€s two first-half goals inspired Manchester City to a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth and took them second in the table, though the manager also criticised officiating at the Etihad Stadium during his nine years in charge.

Haalandâ€s 12th and 13th league goals of the season came on 17 and 33 minutes, Nico Oâ€Reillyâ€s third for City coming on the hour. Tyler Adams equalised in the 25th minute for the visitors but it was a controversial goal as David Brooks placed a hand on Gianluigi Donnarumma at Alex Scottâ€s corner, removing it from the goalkeeper at the last moment.

Anthony Taylor waved away Cityâ€s complaints. Afterwards, Guardiola called the incident “100%†a foul and criticised the referee. “I said to him after, when we see each other: ‘Tell me if itâ€s a foul or not because Iâ€m waiting. If itâ€s a foul or not, just tell me. Just take a look [at a replay].†Itâ€s fine. Theyâ€re brave here. In the Etihad they [referees] are brave, so brave.

“Iâ€m sorry to tell you the unbelievable goal for [due to] the official. But Iâ€m one decade here and we know each other quite well [him and referees]. Iâ€m so pleased at what we achieved with Man City, despite everything, so it has been so good. Donâ€t worry, I donâ€t call the officials and the referees, Iâ€m not the manager to do that. But in the past, a lot of prestigious managers called them.â€

The referee Anthony Taylor waves away player protests during Manchester Cityâ€s win against Bournemouth. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Donnarumma was booked for complaining. Guardiola was pithy about this. “We conceded the yellow card, thatâ€s good,†the manager said. “We have James Trafford [as a deputy]. Itâ€s not a problem.â€

Guardiola was far happier with Haaland, as Cityâ€s next highest league goalscorer is Burnleyâ€s Maxime Estève, with two own goals. “Without him, itâ€d be tough, to be honest,†said the 54-year-old. “And he is incredibly coachable – Iâ€m tough sometimes with him. And he always tries to be open-minded.â€

City are six points behind Arsenal. Asked about his team as title challengers, Guardiola referenced how Mikel Artetaâ€s side have let in only three goals. “Hopefully Arsenal can concede one goal one day, right?†said Guardiola. “Itâ€s just 10 games, still 28 to play.â€

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