Pep Guardiola says he cannot understand why a penalty wasn’t awarded when Alex McCarthy brought Phil Foden down in the first-half.

Referee Jon Moss didn’t point to the spot and the VAR review backed his decision – despite the Southampton keeper clearly bringing Foden down.

 

The City boss believes the decision could have proved costly, with the incident coming at a crucial stage of the game.

 

“We are happy the final score was 5-2, but at that moment it was 1-1 in a tough game,” said the City boss.

 

“They were better than us in the first 25 minutes. We won because of the quality of Riyad and Kevin and Phil.

 

“The penalty (decision) was incredible. I don’t understand it. Maybe one day they will explain the rule around VAR.

 

“Hopefully one day they can explain why one is a penalty and the other isn’t. Jon the referee cannot see it but if the VAR can’t see it…

 

“In my time here, I’ve not criticised the refs. I just want it to be more clear.

 

“We won 5-2, if we lose 2-5, I don’t comment. It looks like an excuse. Sometimes we give arguments for what we see.

 

“You have to ask the right people why they don’t do it.

 

“The thing that made me so proud was the honesty of Phil and, all we have achieved in the last five years is because we did it ourselves.

 

“Big compliment to  my players, but the penalty is incredible.”.

 

Guardiola believes Southampton gave his side the sternest examination of the campaign in the opening quarter of the game.

 

The visitors’ high press forced one or two errors in the City defence and Ederson was busy throughout, with Saints hitting the target six times.

 

“The first 20 to 25 minutes, they were the best team we have faced home or away,” said Pep.

 

“I have so much respect for the way Ralph’s teams play. They started so well and after we won because of the quality of the players we have.

 

“Especially the first half, the second half we were much, much better and used our holding midfielders.

 

“Now 14 points clear with nine games to play, but it’s onto the next one, Fulham.”

 

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