Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola said he “didn’t trust anything” with referees and VAR after making a key decision in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 on Sunday, leaving them five points behind City with two games remaining after a late equalizer was disallowed following a VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper David Raya.
City could close the gap to two points in Wednesday’s home game against Crystal Palace, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, but Guardiola insisted he would continue to focus solely on his team’s performance rather than refereeing decisions.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Josep Guardiola responds when asked about his reaction to Arsenal’s VAR play in last weekend’s game against West Ham
He said: “What matters is tomorrow. Let’s see what happens when we go to the next game. I’ve always learned that if you lose concentration you end up in a dangerous situation.
“Only we can do what we have to do and do better. That’s something we can control.
“We lost the two FA Cup finals because the referees didn’t do their jobs, including VAR. When something like this happens, you have to do better. It’s not the referees. I haven’t trusted anything[about VAR]since I came here a long time ago.”
“You’ve got to do better. Do better. If you want to be in that position, do better. Because you have to blame yourself.”
“That (VAR) is like the other side of the coin. We have to do better ourselves. That’s Crystal Palace, focus, focus, focus. Of course, that’s not in our hands in this Premier League. When I came here, and when I came to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, I always said to the players: ‘Guys, you have to do better.’
“The other thing is the work of statements and institutions that control competition.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Premier League match between West Ham and Arsenal
Asked whether Arsenal’s important win had an impact on his players, Guardiola said: “I haven’t met the players yet. I always give the players a break.
“Crystal Palace – we’re thinking about what we have to do. I’ve always learned in my career as a manager to forget about things you can’t control.
“We will do better what we couldn’t do this season and reach a better position to compete in the Premier League. We are still fighting.”
Crystal Palace could play a big role in the title race as they face Arsenal in the final match.
However, Palace will also have a Conference League final after that game, so manager Oliver Glasner may rotate his squad.
The Austrian even hinted at the same thing, saying: “I’m in charge of Crystal Palace and I get paid to do my best for Crystal Palace, not City or Arsenal.”
But Guardiola expects Palace to remain a difficult opponent no matter who is selected.
He said: “They are very professional. Crystal Palace will be playing us at the top.”
“I watched the game between Leeds and Spurs yesterday and they are currently out of the relegation battle and how they are competing.
“We have played here in the past against Aston Villa and West Ham and they have nothing to play for and we have seen how difficult it is.
“So even if there is a final in a few days, I am sure they will do their best.
“It was always a tough game. The quality was there.”
City are hoping midfielder Rodri will prove himself fit after missing four games with a groin injury, while defender Abdukkodir Kusanov could also return.
Guardiola said both players were “better” and would be evaluated in training.
