In the second half of Manchester City’s game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Pep Guardiola “got crazy” after his team was denied a penalty, and the referee then issued him a booking. As the season nears its conclusion, the fight for the Premier League championship is heating up after City defeated Arsenal earlier this week to claim the top spot.
After a thrilling 4-2 victory over Aston Villa earlier on Saturday, Arsenal reclaimed first place in the standings. As City was back in action at 3 o’clock versus Forest, it might have just lasted a few hours.
Forest has maintained a solid home record since joining the Premier League, with their most recent loss occurring in September, despite their current standing in the standings. Yet shortly before the break, Bernardo Silva’s spectacular first-time effort gave Guardiola’s team the lead in the first half.
In the second half, City pushed for a second goal and continued to control the game. Haaland was thought to be through on goal shortly after the hour mark after slipping past Joe Worrall, but the Forest star put a touch on the striker’s shoulder.
After loud shouts from the City bench, Haaland fell to the ground in the request of a penalty. Guardiola was spotted storming onto the field in frustration after the referee dismissed his initial complaints.
Pep is going to be made here, Pat Nevin stated on commentary. They possess VAR. They will investigate it. Settle down.
“Erling Haaland doesn’t make a compelling case. He is not acting irrationally. This is a big call.”
Guardiola was furious, but his rage increased when VAR upheld the match referee’s decision to forgo a penalty. Guardiola was then cited by the BBC for “manhandling the fourth official,” according to the BBC.
Only a few seconds later, Haaland had a wonderful chance to double City’s lead once more from inside the six-yard box.
As Chris Wood scored his first goal for Forest in the 84th minute, they were quickly made to pay for their squandered opportunities.