Pep Guardiola lightened the mood on the touchline during Manchester Cityâ€s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, sharing an unusual moment with fourth official Craig Pawson.
City had taken an early lead through Erling Haalandâ€s ninth-minute strike and looked on course for victory before the Gunners struck back late on.
In the closing stages, Guardiola found himself in a lively exchange with Pawson on the sidelines.
Instead of letting the telling-off get to him, the City boss suddenly leaned in and planted a kiss on Pawsonâ€s cheek. The official stepped back, momentarily startled but with a smile, before resuming his duties, while Guardiola chuckled with his hands on his hips – both clearly seeing the funny side.
Pep Guardiola just kissed the fourth official and he added 7 minutes additional time ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚😂#ARSMCIpic.twitter.com/oueveR8P8R
— Austine ✪ (@Austinooffical) September 21, 2025
Guardiolaâ€s grin didnâ€t last long, however. Moments later, after Pawson signalled seven minutes of injury time, City conceded deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point for Arsenal, superbly chipping Gianluigi Donnarumma to cancel out Haalandâ€s opener.
The result means Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with City.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Guardiola praised his sideâ€s resilience.
“Today we played against a powerful team,” he said. “Hats off to our team for the resilience. It’s so difficult when you’re not effective with high pressing, it’s always tough in the build-up. We made some transitions. I think the result is fair. In general, Arsenal were better.”
No mention of the kiss, though. Poor Craig Pawson.
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