Manchester City wanted a red card for Kepa Arrizabalaga after a foul on Jeremy Doku with the decision made leaving Pep Guardiuola furious
Kepa Arrizabalaga fouled Jeremy Doku in the Carabao Cup final
Kepa Arrizabalaga fouled Jeremy Doku in the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Man City(Image: Sky Sports)
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Pep Guardiola was left furious after a controversial challenge from Kepa Arrizabalaga on Jeremy Doku was deemed worthy of just a yellow card by referee Peter Bankes. The City winger raced onto a ball over the top from Matheus Nunes with the bounce deceiving Kepa, who had flown out of his goal, which saw him foul Doku on the edge of the box.
A yellow card was shown to Kepa with Guardiola pictured confronting the fourth official over the decision. City were still in possession when the whistle was blown with former referee Mike Dean explaining why it was only a yellow.
He said: "I think it's a clear yellow card. I feel sorry for the referee because he penalises a bit too quick.
"He (Doku) could have probably carried on and he could have gone square to (Erling) Haaland, there were players supporting.
"He could have gone back and cautioned the player but it's gone so wide, the ball, that it's impossible for it to be denying a goal-scoring opportunity. A yellow card is the correct decision."
Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville added: "It's one of those if you are Doku where you don't feel like you have got enough out of it.
"You want a penalty, you want a sending off, you want eveyrthing when something like that happens.
"And Pep Guardiola is remonstrating with the fourth official, but I think they have got to the right call. It just feels, sometimes, a little unfair.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola was delighted after Manchester City scored(Image: PA)
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"I think you are right, Mike, I think the referee should have allowed the advantage a little bit longer just to see whether a goal came from it."
However, Guardiola was far happier just minutes later as Nico O'Reilly took advantage of a big Kepa error to head home from just a few yards out.
The City boss triumphantly jumped in the air and turned to celebrate with his coaching staff before booting the advertising hoardings.
The 21-year-old then headed in a second moments later as he ghosted into the box at the back post to meet Nunes' cross.
Guardiola went one better with his next celebration as he began running down the touchline in front of the City supporters. The City boss was actually booked for his first celebration.