The race for the 2025/26 Premier League title took a turn last night as Manchester City dropped points against Nottingham Forest. At the very same time, Arsenal were able to beat Brighton and Hove Albion.
At the Etihad, City took the lead twice, first through Antoine Semenyo and then through Rodri, but on each occasion they were pegged back by fine Forest goals. Morgan Gibbs-White scored with a smart finish to make it 1-1, before Elliot Anderson then repeated the trick, this time from outside the box, to see the game ultimately end 2-2.
Now sevent points behind the Gunners, albeit with a game in hand, Pep Guardiola's men were naturally frustrated after the full-time whistle. Bernando Silva couldn't hide his anger as he blamed the dropped points on the officiating.
Verdict Given as Bernando Silva Calls Out Referee After City Draw with Forest
During the game, Erling Haaland raced through on goal and looked for a penalty after going to ground under the challenge of Forest's goalkeeper Maz Sels. While there was undoubtedly contact, it could be argued that the City striker initiated it by dangling his leg out.
This appeared to be the view of the referee, who gave no foul, while VAR went with the on-field decision. Silva was furious after the match, saying: "We're quite used to it this season because all 50/50s have gone against us," he said. "It's the reality. I've just watched, for example, the Erling incident (with Sels) and for me it's a penalty. Some might have a different opinion. What can Erling do?
He added, "As I said, we're used to it. We know how it works."
It now appears as though former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett agrees with the City captain's complaints. When asked about the possible penalty, he said on social media:
"It’s a foul, therefore PK [penalty kick]."
Dermot Gallagher Also Weighs in on Haaland Penalty Incident
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has also weighed in on the incident. Speaking on Sky Sports Red Watch, he also suggested it should have been a penalty, saying:
"If I were a forward and pushed the ball past the 'keeper like that and the 'keeper hits me and doesn't get the ball, then I would expect a penalty.
"The forward's pushed the ball away, the 'keeper hasn't got it, he's gone to ground and he's got to get the ball, and he doesn't."
Ex-footballer Jay Bothroyd was even stronger with his comments, as he felt it was a clear foul: "That's 100 per cent a penalty. I don't understand why they haven't given that. I think the 'keeper even knows!
"He's clearly hit Haaland and he hasn't even got up to say he didn't touch him. He knows."