Rodri fumes at officials after Spurs draw as Man City hit by VAR call

Rodri has launched a furious post-match attack on Premier League officiating after Manchester City were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Tottenham, claiming officials “don’t want us to win” following another contentious VAR decision.

City surrendered a two-goal lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, with a key moment in the hosts’ comeback sparking anger from both the players and the touchline. According to post-match interviews, the City camp believe Dominic Solanke fouled Marc Guéhi in the build-up to Spurs’ first goal — an incident VAR opted not to overturn.

The draw leaves City six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal and deepens frustration over what Pep Guardiola described as a growing pattern of marginal calls going against his side.

City looked in control at half-time after goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo had silenced the home crowd, with Spurs booed off at the interval. But Thomas Frank’s side responded strongly after the break, driven by a dominant display from Solanke.

The striker bundled in Spurs’ opener, with the ball deflecting off Guéhi, before producing a spectacular scorpion kick to level the contest late on. While the finish itself drew plaudits, City were incensed by what they felt was a clear foul in the earlier phase of play.

Speaking to Stan Sport, Rodri did not hide his frustration, suggesting City’s recent success has influenced how close decisions are being judged.

“I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral and for me honestly, it’s not fair,” Rodri said.

“It’s not fair because we work so hard in these situations and now to make these decisions, we have to move on.”

He added that the contact on Guéhi was decisive.

“He kicked the leg and of course with the push of the action on the ball, the ball goes in. These little things make the difference. This league is about small details and everything counts.”

Rodri went further when reviewing the incident post-match, arguing VAR failed in its purpose.

“It’s a clear foul in the first action of the goal. VAR is there for a reason. Maybe if they don’t score that goal, we win the game,” he said.
“It’s not today, it’s two or three games in a row and I don’t know why. I never speak about referees, I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things.”

City believe similar decisions have gone against them recently in matches against Newcastle, Manchester United and Wolves, contributing to dropped points in the title race.

Pep Guardiola also voiced his disbelief when asked about the Guéhi-Solanke incident.

“Once again… have you seen it? Nothing,” Guardiola said. “Marc has the ball, he’s been kicked from behind, and it’s a goal. Nothing. One more.”

Speaking to BBC Sport, Guardiola added: “If you do it to a striker it would be a penalty. I’m not a referee. Fascinating in the Premier League.”

Despite the frustration, City remain alive on multiple fronts. They host Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final before travelling to Anfield on Sunday for a crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool.

How City channel their anger — and whether officials come under further scrutiny — could play a significant role in the weeks ahead.