'It needs explaining' Guardiola shocked Foden was denied penalty

Man City boss Pep Guardiola was pleased to see his side win Southampton but insists there was a controversial call regarding Phil Foden.

After a derby defeat to Manchester United, Pep Guardiola was pleased to see his side return to winning ways in the Premier League against Southampton on Wednesday night.

The Saints proved to be ‘difficult’ opposition in the first half but braces from Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, and a strike from Ilkay Gundogan saw the Citizens stroll to a 5-2 win over their opponents.

Despite a convincing win, a controversial moment in the game came when Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy brought down Phil Foden in the first half. It seemed a rather blatant shout for a penalty but referee Jon Moss didn’t point to the spot. Even after a VAR review, the penalty was not given. It left the fans and neutrals alike perplexed all over social media.

Foden gets fouled

He tries to stay up on his feet

VAR has a chance to reward the honesty by giving the original foul

Nah why do that

This is why we get diving – it works

The TV commentators need to have a word with themselves
— Clive (@clivepafc) March 10, 2021

Speaking after the game, Guardiola failed to wrap his head around that decision.

He said to the club’s website: “We are happy the final score was 5-2, but at that moment it was 1-1 in a tough game.

“They were better than us in the first 25 minutes. We won because of the quality of Riyad and Kevin and Phil.”

“The penalty (decision) was incredible. I don’t understand it. Maybe one day they will explain the rule around VAR.”

“Hopefully one day they can explain why one is a penalty and the other isn’t. Jon the referee cannot see it but if the VAR can’t see it…”

“In my time here, I’ve not criticised the refs. I just want it to be more clear.”

“We won 5-2, if we lose 2-5, I don’t comment. It looks like an excuse. Sometimes we give arguments for what we see.”

“You have to ask the right people why they don’t do it.”

“The thing that made me so proud was the honesty of Phil and, all we have achieved in the last five years is because we did it ourselves.”

As always, Guardiola hailed the opponent’s approach and now has his sight on another win at the weekend.

“I have so much respect for the way Ralph’s teams play. They started so well and after we won because of the quality of the players we have,” he continued.

“Especially the first half, the second half we were much, much better and used our holding midfielders.”

“Now 14 points clear with nine games to play, but it’s onto the next one, Fulham.”