Pep Guardiola issues spiky response to Michael Keane’s horror Jeremy Doku tackle
Pep Guardiola issues spiky response to Michael Keane’s horror Jeremy Doku tackle Jeremy Doku was the victim of a reckless challenge from Everton defender Michael Keane late in the first-half, leaving the Belgian sidelined for nearly a minute while receiving treatment. Despite loud protests from the Manchester City bench and players on the pitch, referee Michael Oliver opted to brandish only a yellow card for the veteran Toffees defender. Doku remained on the pitch, salvaging a 3-3 draw in a result that leaves City five points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola has hit out at the officiating during Monday night’s 3-3 draw against Everton, following a controversial decision over a heavy challenge on Jeremy Doku. The match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was defined by individual brilliance and physical intensity, as Manchester City initially led through a sensational Jeremy Doku opener before a second-half collapse saw Everton surge into a 3-1 lead. While a late Erling Haaland strike and a 97th-minute Doku equaliser rescued a point, the post-match talk was dominated by Michael Keane’s robust tackle on City’s Belgian international star.
Match Report and Player Ratings: Everton 3-3 Manchester City (Premier League) The challenge, which occurred just before the half-time break, saw Jeremy Doku require significant medical attention and left the Manchester City bench incensed at the lack of a red card. The result has significant implications for the Premier League title race, handing Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal the chance to secure the trophy for the first time in over 20 years if they win their remaining games. Pep Guardiola’s frustration was palpable, as the Catalan appeared to grow weary of questions surrounding the physical treatment his star flair player received during the encounter.
With the FA Cup Final against Chelsea looming, any potential injury to Doku would no doubt be a catastrophic blow, given his importance over the last few weeks. “It’s not my job”, says Pep Guardiola When asked about the tackle, Pep Guardiola gave a characteristically quick-fire response , pointing towards subsequent punditry analysis to decide on the deserving punishment for Michael Keane. “OK.
Your pundits can say it,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. Later addressing reporters during his post-match press conference, Guardiola continued, “What can I say? Yellow card.