Everybody errs: On the bemusement scale, from zero to Arteta - Pep is somewhere in the middle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta famously ranted about VAR and the officials following his team's loss at St. James' Park last month. Even though it turned out he wasn't in the right, the Spaniard earned an almost legendary status for his rage against the Premier League's decision-makers. His compatriot Pep Guardiola was tempted to go down the same road, but he managed to refrain - but only just.

Heroic Spurs fight courageously to clinch a late draw at Etihad!

Pep responded with restraint when questioned about the controversial refereeing decision during Manchester City's 3-3 draw with Tottenham. Referring to the incident where Erling Haaland was fouled but advantage was initially played and later revoked, Guardiola expressed his confusion over the decision.

However, he chose not to criticise the referee, citing Arteta's previous outspoken remarks after the match against Newcastle. Guardiola chose not to delve into the matter further.

"Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment."

Arteta not holding back: I feel sick to be a part of this

Guardiola expanded on his thoughts after the thrilling six-goal clash with the north London side, remarking that everyone makes mistakes and that the decision was not why City failed to win.

"It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action. It's an action. The game was really good from both sides. We played fantastically in the first half, and in the second half, they made a step forward. In everything, we were really good but much better in the first half, where we could have scored more. It's football, we have to manage better. I make mistakes, and the players make mistakes. It surprised me because when Erling went down, if you whistle, then it's fine - but when he stands up and continues and the ref made the gesture to play on, then after he makes the pass he stops the game. I don't want to criticise them. On the touchline, sometimes I lose my mind and my gestures are not proper but not here and now"

Pep's counterpart Ange Postecoglou praised his team for their spirit and determination but also had many nice things to say about City. But when reporters asked him whether he understood Pep's anger at the wrong decision, the Australian just smiled and said:

"Yeah, I guess so, mate."