Sunday 22 January 2017 10:40, UK
Pep Guardiola refused to blame the referee for Manchester City's failure to beat Tottenham after they were held to a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Goals from Leroy Sane and Kevin de Bruyne shortly after half-time put a dominant City 2-0 ahead, only for Dele Alli to reply with Spurs' first shot on target.
City were then denied a penalty by referee Andre Marriner when Kyle Walker pushed Raheem Sterling in the back when he was through on goal.
Heung-Min Son equalised for Spurs shortly afterwards to snatch a point, but despite his clear frustration at the time, Guardiola refused to complain about the penalty decision.
"It doesn't matter, we had the same argument against Chelsea but we lost because we missed a lot of chances," he said.
"When you score a goal the referee doesn't matter, the rules here are the rules. Maybe one day Mike Riley [general manager of Professional Game Match Officials] will explain to me. When he [Sterling] is pushed, I don't understand."
Looking to bounce back from their 4-0 defeat at Everton last weekend, City were largely dominant against an out-of-sorts Spurs.
"We performed outstandingly - it was a deja vu game," said Guardiola. "It was the same as Chelsea - we created a lot but we missed a lot of chances. It happened against Everton at home, it happened against Chelsea. The players played with heart but we didn't win.
"Except one or two games we've produced good performances this season. Tottenham - they are a brilliant team. We were able to make a huge performance and that's why I am so so happy.... maybe in the future, for this club, these games will make us stronger."
City finished the game strongly and went close to a winner through substitute Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian, who completed his move from Palmeiras in the week after signing last summer, made a lively impact after coming off the bench in the 82nd minute.
"Jesus has talent but alone cannot do that," said Guardiola. "We have to score goals and we are not able to do that when this happens it's impossible to win.
"I'm so happy for the performance from Leroy [Sane]. It's not easy to come here and play, he was injured, I encourage him to keep going at that level he has special qualities for us I'm so happy for him."
