I Dont Assign Blame - superztars

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City took an unexpected step back in the Premier League title chase, settling for a draw against Nottingham Forest.

Having initially taken the lead twice through Antoine Semenyo and Rodri, City ultimately failed to maintain their advantage and now sit seven points behind league leaders Arsenal.

While City does have a game in hand against Crystal Palace, this matchweek could shift momentum squarely in favor of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Despite dominating possession with 70% and taking 21 shots, City’s tendency to squander leads may haunt them later in the season, having now lost a staggering 13 points from winning positions.

“It’s a lot, but there are games where we perhaps didn’t deserve it. However, today we generally played well for 90 minutes,” Guardiola remarked. “We need to better defend against transitions and long balls, but it’s not about a single incident; overall, the game was played well.”

“We created plenty of opportunities against a very defensive and dynamic team.”

‘Arsenal are indifferent – they won’

January signing Semenyo has quickly found his form, appearing as a crucial player in the title race following his decisive goal against Leeds United.

In the match against Forest, he netted his seventh goal since joining from Bournemouth, giving City a 1-0 lead at halftime.

However, a familiar pattern emerged. Statistics reveal that City has struggled in the second half; had matches concluded at halftime, they would be 13 points ahead of Arsenal instead of seven points behind.

Despite trailing twice, Forest managed to equalize thanks to Morgan Gibbs-White’s clever backheel and Elliot Anderson’s impressive curling shot.

The City players’ reactions at full-time spoke volumes—heads down and shoulders drooping in realization that two vital points were lost.

“I wish we could concede fewer, but it’s not about analyzing individual moments,” Guardiola explained. “I never blame my players. We did what we could.”

“We had chances at the end and in the first half, but something always happens that prevents us from winning.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal kicked off simultaneously and secured a 1-0 victory over Brighton.

“Arsenal can continue playing poorly and winning; it’s the others who are struggling,” remarked former England goalkeeper Rob Green on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Manchester City is faltering, while Arsenal finds a way to grind out results. They won, and that’s all that matters.”

Haaland incident deemed ‘a penalty’

With City leading 2-1 in the second half, star striker Erling Haaland broke through on goal but fell after contact with Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Referee Darren England did not award a penalty, and video assistant referee Tony Harrington decided not to overturn that decision.

This left City captain Bernardo Silva questioning the officiating, stating to TNT Sports: “This has become a pattern for us this season. All the 50-50 calls seem to go against us.”

“The incident with Erling—I’d say that was a penalty. What more could Erling do? We’re accustomed to this situation this season. We need to focus on what we can control: our performances.”

Guardiola chose not to engage in a debate about the incident, adding, “I’ve addressed this issue in the past.”

“I believe we need to perform better so that the officials won’t need to get involved. Our responsibility is to do better; we can’t rely on them.”