Cheating allegations…; Pep Guardiola Drops Bombshell: ‘No More Talking to Refs!’ – Slams Mikel Oliver’s Shocking Red Card Call and Controversial Extra Time Against Arsenal!

Pep Guardiola shares his honest feelings on Michael Oliver’s controversial decision during Man City vs Arsenal

After Manchester City and Arsenal drew 2-2 on Sunday night, there were plenty of talking points.

As is often the case across the Premier League nowadays, decisions taken by referees often steal the headines.

Referee Michael Oliver’s decision to show Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard a second yellow card is one that will certainly dominate the headlines in the coming week.

Kyle Walker spoke out against Oliver’s call to allow the Gunners to take a quick free-kick after calling him and his fellow captain Bukayo Saka to have a chat during the game.

As Riccardo Calafiori scored his first goal during his Arsenal career, some might feel that Walker should simply have stayed attentive.

Others could argue that considering Michael Oliver should not have allowed play to continue considering it was him who invited the England international to have a conversation with him.

Guardiola agrees with Kyle Walker over referee decision as Man City drew to Arsenal
There might also be a school of thought that exists regarding the Manchester City defender not being at fault as Calafiori’s goal was a moment of pure genius.

Pep Guardiola seemed visibly upset after the ball flew into the top corner.

In such high-intensity games, tensions are always high.

The £378,846-a-week manager would have been disappointed to see City concede a goal after Erling Haaland handed the hosts a dream start with a lovely finish early into the contest.

The emotions were running sky-high between both sets of teams during the game as quarrels broke out on a few occasions at the Etihad Stadium.

After the heavyweight clash, Pep Guardiola felt the decision not to allow Walker to return to his position in the build-up to Arsenal’s equaliser was incorrect.

Guardiola told beIN SPORTS: “Well, you know, the next time the referee asks the captains to go and talk to them, we will not go because you have to allow [Walker] to go [back] to the position.”

“At the same time, we have to avoid the quick pass because we know they play quick, we have to organise the defence better. That situation has happened but many things happen in a football game and that was good for everyone.”

Pep Guardiola makes an interesting point after Kyle Walker claim
While Pep Guardiola was in opposition of Michael Oliver’s decision, it is interesting that he still stressed the importance of Manchester City organising their defence in a better way.

Ultimately, controversial decisions are a part and parcel of football.

However, as Guardiola stated, defences must stay switched on, especially in big games or risk conceding avoidable goals.

Perhaps the haphazard nature of the sequence that led to Calafiori’s goal meant the City defence were caught at the back.

But Pep Guardiola’s assessment suggests that he will drum in such a message into his players as well.

Such moments prove to be key learning lessons for even teams of Manchester City’s calibre.