Pep Guardiola produced one of the strangest touchline moments of the Premier League season at the Emirates.
The Manchester City boss leaned in to kiss fourth official Craig Pawson on the cheek during Sunday’s clash with Arsenal. Cameras caught the incident just minutes before his side conceded a stoppage-time equaliser.
City had led since the ninth minute after Erling Haaland rolled a low finish past David Raya at the end of a sweeping counter-attack. Guardiola’s men looked on course for a crucial away win when the bizarre touchline exchange unfolded.
Television pictures showed the 54-year-old grabbing Pawson’s face and moving in for what looked like a kiss.
Pawson recoiled slightly but the footage quickly spread across social media, with viewers posting their disbelief at what they had just seen.
Pep Guardiola produced one of the strangest touchline moments of the Premier League season at the Emirates
Pep Guardiola produced one of the strangest touchline moments of the Premier League season at the Emirates
Ironically, City then lost their grip on the three points. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli latched on to Eberechi Eze’s through ball in the 93rd minute
Ironically, City then lost their grip on the three points. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli latched on to Eberechi Eze’s through ball in the 93rd minute
Clips of the moment were widely shared, with supporters jokingly asking whether Guardiola was ‘trying to kiss the ref’.
The reaction dominated online conversation as the game entered its final stages.
Ironically, City then lost their grip on the three points. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who had also scored off the bench in the Champions League in midweek, latched on to Eberechi Eze’s through ball in the 93rd minute and calmly lifted his finish over the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma to spark wild celebrations.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had again deployed a midfield three of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino but saw his team struggle to create chances before the break.
The introduction of Eze and Bukayo Saka at half-time gave Arsenal greater urgency and they pressed for an equaliser throughout the second half.
City, who switched to a back five late on to protect their lead, continued to threaten on the counter through Jeremy Doku but could not finish the game off.
Martinelli’s goal means Arteta has now gone five successive matches unbeaten against Guardiola in all competitions.
Both sides have nevertheless lost ground in the title race to Liverpool, who now enjoy a five-point lead at the top. City sit ninth on seven points, while the Gunners reclaimed second place with 10 points from their first five matches.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original To Read Full Article
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