Pep Guardiola was furious after Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League as he believed that Spurs' first strike should've been disallowed for a foul on Marc Guehi. The Premier League have released an official statement to clear up their decision.
It was a routine first half for Guardiola's men: they drew first blood inside 11 minutes of play through Rayan Cherki, City's primary threat on the evening. The Frenchman's right-footed effort evaded the outstretched arm of Guglielmo Vicario before Antoine Semenyo doubled their lead.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Before today, they had won on each of the last 115 occasions when leading by 2+ goals at the break (all competitions).
A totally different second 45 ensued, however, and Dominic Solanke was at the double. The English striker (who has missed large parts of the current campaign) struck twice within 17 minutes to earn a point for the home outfit, though neither side were able to find a dramatic winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Premier League Release Statement Regarding Tottenham's Second Goal in 2-2 Draw with City
Although Spurs will be delighted with the one point earned, many are under the assumption that their first goal should've been chalked off. Spurs, by this point, had grown into the match and were causing the odd problem for City – and that rang true in the 55th minute as Solanke prodded home.
Initially, the goal went down as an own goal from Guehi, who moved to City from Crystal Palace in January, but it was later reversed and given to Solanke.
However, on a second glance, it may be more contentious than first thought. As Solanke – who opened his 2025/26 Premier League account with his brace – went to fire his effort towards Gianluigi Donnarumma, Guehi got his leg in the way to block the shot and Solanke followed through.
The footage, as seen below, proves there was a leg collision between Spurs' Solanke and City's Guehi. VAR, however, did not intervene, and the goal was given – first as a Guehi own goal before being overturned and issued to Solanke.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Premier League Match Centre explained the decision by deeming that Solanke had played the ball, accrediting the goal to the English striker rather than ruling it as a Guehi own goal.
"The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge by Solanke on Guehi deemed not to be a foul as Solanke played the ball. The goal accreditation panel has adjudged the goal to be a Solanke goal."
Guardiola Fumes About Referee's Decision to Allow Solanke's Goal to Stand
Speaking after a share of the spoils were picked up in north London, Guardiola said: "Once again... Have you seen it? Nothing,” he said, before appearing on the verge of walking out of the interview. "It's happened once again. What can I say? Marc [Guehi] has the ball, he's been kicked from behind, and it's a goal. Nothing. What can I say? One more."
Speaking to BBC Sport, Guardiola added: "Well, if you do it to a striker it would be a penalty. I'm not a referee. "Fascinating in the Premier League."