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Pep Guardiola gives honest verdict on controversial Man City penalty

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Manchester City defeated the ten-men Wolves as Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the night.

Manchester City clinched a crucial 1-0 victory to stay on top of the Premier League table on Saturday. Wolves were a man down since Raul Jimenez received a red card in the last minute of the first half. 

Bruno Lage’s side managed to keep up with their solid defence for most of the game. However, the Citizens finally broke the deadlock by scoring a penalty.

A cross from Bernardo Silva hit Joao Moutinho on the arm. Despite the ball’s pace, the referee decided to award Man City a spot-kick in the 66th minute. Raheem Sterling converted the penalty with a low shot, scoring his 100th Premier League goal.

In a post-match interview, Man City boss Pep Guardiola spoke about the referee’s controversial decision.

“The penalty I saw on the field but I didn’t see it again on TV. People say it is half-half,” Guardiola said (via Independent).

Asked about Jimenez’s red card, he added: “The first yellow card was the same as the yellow cards we conceded from Rodri and Ruben Dias,

“The second yellow card was completely fair.”

Raheem sterling has scored four goals in his last eight appearances for Man City, gradually rediscovering his best form.

Guardiola reacted to Sterling’s milestone of 100 Premier League goals.

“It is a great number,” he added.

“At his age 100 goals is a lot. Big congratulations to him and the same to Ederson for his 100th clean sheet.

“Raheem has always been important but players have to understand there are highs and lows in a career.

“I’m unfair sometimes because they perform well and don’t play and I have no excuse but to say, ‘I’m sorry’.

“But sometimes if they don’t perform well I have to play another one. Of course he has scored goals lately, important goals, and the way he has performed has been really good.”

Sterling has reclaimed his place as a regular starter at Man City lately. The English winger has attracted interest from several clubs. However, his recent form might convince Man City to keep him beyond his current contract, which runs until the summer.

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