Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published on Thursday, 08 January 2026, 09:32 / Updated on Thursday, 08 January 2026 09:33
The coach of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, accused the lack of effectiveness of his team in the draw with Brighton (1-1).
In Manchester City's third consecutive draw in the Premier League, Erling Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but missed several great opportunities, which ultimately cost the “citizens” 2 points.
City could remain 8 points clear of top spot if leaders Arsenal win Thursday's 'shock' with Liverpoola prospect that infuriated manager Pep Guardiola. In front of the cameras, the Spanish technician veiledly attacked the Norwegian goal scorer, criticizing his lack of effectiveness.
20 goalsscored Erling Haaland this season, and in total he has 150 goals for Manchester City
Pep Guardiola: “I like how we play, but we don't score goals”
“I really like the way we play but we don't score goals. Too many clear chances and all the men in attack, unfortunately we couldn't score. Scoring goals is part of your job“, Guardiola pointed out.
And further: “We played exceptionally well – the opponents also had chances, but it's always been like that – we did very good things, the defenders are very good, but we created a lot and we couldn't score. It's not about today and it's not just about one player, but that's why we can't win games”.
Pep Guardiola also attacked referee Thomas Bramall: “I don't know why he needed VAR”
Haaland was not the only one targeted by Pep. He also got on referee Thomas Bramall's nerves. The “central” of the game initially denied him the penalty from which Haaland opened the scoring. Only after the VAR analysis, the foul on Jeremy Doku was recognized, and Bramall pointed to the spot from 11 meters.
“Why did I lose my temper? I was complaining that we weren't awarded a penalty. And I was right, the VAR analysis confirmed it. It was a penalty. I don't know why the referee didn't whistle and VAR had to correct him. Now it's an easy job for the referees“, commented Guardiola in front of the cameras.
Haaland converted the shot from 11 meters, but Brighton came back in the second half. In the 60th minute he equalized through Mitoma and established the final result, 1-1.
