It may only be November, but Liverpool have taken a huge step towards the Premier League title this evening. Their 3-1 win over Manchester City was terrific, even if it did not come without controversy.
Liverpool's opening goal looked questionable. While the counterattack that resulted in Fabinho's wonder strike was a fantastic one, the ball certainly hit Alexander-Arnold's arm in the buildup.
That would have resulted in a penalty for City, but VAR waved it off. You cold make an argument for awarding the spot kick, but the ball did hit Bernadro Silva's arm first.
Liverpool would build a 3-0 lead in the second half, with Silva's goal giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. They then had another penalty shout, with the ball once again hitting Alexander-Arnold's hand.
This one didn't look like a penalty, but Guardiola was irate on the sideline.
Pep Guardiola is not happy 😡
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After the game, he made his opinions known to referee Michael Oliver.
"Thank you so much..." 🤔
📺 Watch full reaction live on Sky Sports PL pic.twitter.com/CTECmWAoHB— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 10, 2019
Guardiola spoke to Sky Sports after the game, claiming that this performance showed why City were champions. He was hesitant to answer any questions about the referee, although it was clear he was not pleased.
"We showed why we are the champions"
Pep Guardiola was proud of his players despite defeat at Anfield
More: https://t.co/tIbipDtyYB pic.twitter.com/Du5TPzEuKh— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 10, 2019
What happened? Today we showed why we are the champions.
To come to this stadium and play the way we played was incredible. I'm so proud of this team, more than ever.
We had an incredible performance in this stadium against the best team in Europe, I am so proud. We played so good...
It wouldn't be so nice after a defeat to complain to the referees. Ask the referees...
Ask Mike Riley and they guys with VAR, don't ask me. We tried to do our job, I would like to talk about our performance, we were so good.
I know about teams when they come here, the way they play and the respect for Anfield. With the problems we have in the squad and the way we played, awesome.
It was one of our best performances. We played in a way which showed why we are back-to-back champions.
Guardiola was also asked about his confrontation with the officials at full time, but he claims his reaction was in no way sarcastic.
No way (it wasn't sarcastic). I congratulated them. I am polite.
I didn't say anything here.
