Pep Guardiola admitted Everton should have had a penalty for handball against Rodri in Manchester City’s win at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Phil Foden struck eight minutes from time to seal a 1-0 victory for the leaders that moved them six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
They denied Everton the chance for a late equalizer from the penalty spot when neither referee Paul Tierney nor VAR felt It was fair to penalize Rodri for making contact with a ball in the City box.
Everton reportedly complained about the league over recent refereeing decisions after boss Frank Lampard was left furious following the City defeat.
While Guardiola dismissed the idea that the decision could have lasting consequences for the season, he accepted Everton were unfortunate.
Speaking ahead of City’s FA Cup clash with Championship side Peterborough United, Guardiola said:
“Can this episode affect a whole season? I will review a lot of incidents. It looks offside for Richarlison; if it’s not offside, it’s a penalty.”
Guardiola’s men meet Peterborough on Tuesday, aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the fifth time since he took over as manager in 2016.
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen will miss out through injury, but Oleksandr Zinchenko will play after being an unused substitute against Everton.
Pep Guardiola said it would be a good chance for the Ukraine international to “show why he is here”, adding he was a “magnificent player”. He has remained committed amid the crisis in his homeland following Russia’s invasion.
The City manager also paid tribute to Marcelo Bielsa. On Sunday, the latter left as Leeds United boss following a dreadful run of results that culminated in a 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham.
“I’m so sorry for him,” he said. “His legacy is there in the Leeds city, the club, the players. His influence is massive.
“Unfortunately, the manager goes by results and, lately, it was not good.
“The game he has played for three, four seasons in Leeds was spectacular to watch.
“It will be a loss to Leeds and his players. As a person, he’s no different to anyone. Results dictate our future.”
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