Pep Guardiola could not hide his frustration after Manchester City were denied a Champions League victory in their 2-2 draw with Monaco, as controversial refereeing calls overshadowed his side’s performance on the night.
The City boss specifically criticised the late penalty decision that handed Monaco an equaliser, branding it “unfair” and insisting his team had been punished despite making what he believed was a clean challenge.
The incident in question came right at the death in the 90th minute. Former Tottenham defender Eric Dier stepped up and converted from the penalty spot after he was awarded a spot-kick for an alleged foul by Nico Gonzalez. In real time, the referee initially waved play on, seemingly satisfied that Gonzalez had got to the ball first.
However, after VAR intervened and recommended a review, the official overturned his original decision and pointed to the spot. Replays did appear to show Gonzalez making contact with the ball before catching Dier, but despite that, the penalty stood and Monaco grabbed a last-gasp equaliser.
“It’s an unfair free-kick. Then we concede a penalty when we touch the ball first, not the opponent. No intention. It is what it is,” Guardiola said in his post-match reaction, quoted by Sky Sports.
His irritation was clear, not only because of the VAR decision itself but also because of the timing, which robbed City of what looked to be a deserved win after controlling much of the contest.
City were the more dominant side throughout the encounter, creating numerous chances and putting Monaco under consistent pressure. They struck the woodwork twice and fired off 18 shots over the course of the game, but their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly in the end.
Guardiola acknowledged this, admitting that while the referee’s decision was a major factor, his players also should have been more clinical when it mattered most.
“We created chances, they defended deep, tighter than expected, but we adjusted and played really good,” Guardiola reflected. “When it’s close, you have to defend, and we take the point. Step by step we’ll be better, but tonight many things went against us.”
The Spaniard’s comments underline a mixture of disappointment and cautious optimism. On the one hand, he felt aggrieved by the officials’ decisions and the role VAR played in denying his team. On the other, he recognised that City’s overall display was positive, even if the end result did not reflect their dominance.
Manchester City will now shift their attention back to domestic duties, with a Premier League clash against Brentford coming up next. Guardiola will hope his players can bounce back quickly, rediscover their finishing touch, and put the frustration of Monaco behind them as the season continues.
