'Do it better' - Pep Guardiola gives blunt response to Man City penalty claims

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked about the refereeing decisions that went against his team in their 2-2 draw

Pep Guardiola refused to blame refereeing decisions for Manchester City dropping points at home to Nottingham Forest. The Blues were held to a 2-2 draw after twice losing leads, but the players were annoyed that several penalty claims were waved away.

Erling Haaland wanted a spot kick with the team 2-1 up after coming into contact with the Forest goalkeeper in the box, and Elliot Anderson came in on Rodri after the midfielder had shot wide. On both occasions, the referee was unmoved in decisions that captain Bernardo Silva disagreed with.

Guardiola did not give his opinion on the decisions but said that City had to focus on themselves if they were going to move forward in their Premier League title race with Arsenal. They are now seven points behind with a game in hand after the Gunners won away at Brighton on the same evening.

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"I always believe that we have to do it much better so the officials don't intervene," said Guardiola. "It's our responsibility to do it better, we don't rely on them. Nothing more to say, I said it in the past."

City weren't at their best on the night but Guardiola appeared satisfied with the performance as he looks to lift his players for their FA Cup fifth round draw at Newcastle on Saturday night. It is an important month for the Blues with crunch games in two cup competitions as well as a final with Arsenal at Wembley.

"Still nine games to play, one less now and now it's Newcastle," said Guardiola. "I always thought about what's next, don't think much. In general it was a good performance - many many good things. Of course there are things we can improve in some departments."