EPL: We’ll not talk to referees again – Guardiola enraged over Arsenal’s first goal

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has declared that he will not allow his players to talk to referees again.

Manchester City played out a 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday with Erling Haaland opening the scoring for the champions in the 9th minute.

But something happened along the line that referee Michael Oliver had to bring the two captains, Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka close for a quick chat.

Normally after such talks, the players would be allowed to return to their position before the restart. This did not happen with Oliver who allowed Arsenal to play a fast one, leading to Riccardo Calafiori’s equalising goal.

Arsenal then took the lead through Gabriel Magalhães just before the half time.

But a late stoppage time goal from John Stones ensured both teams got a point each

“Next time, we’ll not go to talk to the referee,” Guardiola told reporters after the game.

“Kyle Walker was just right. The referee asked him to come to talk to him and the other ones, and when that happens some players have to be close to the ball, and we have to readjust the back-four, but they didn’t have time.

“But Kyle arrived in the position, and after Calafiori made a good goal.

“But we knew that every free-kick that they make contact quickly with the wingers and they are really good with Saka and Martinelli, and I don’t like the back-four when it’s a foul and they move on.

“When the referee says: Come to talk to me… at least leave him to come back to the position. Because next time, we will not go to talk to them.”