Pep takes the diplomatic route

– Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (right) refused to be drawn on the controversy surrounding Liverpool’s opening goal in a 3-1 loss at Anfield on Sunday which left his side nine points behind the leaders in the Premier League.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball inside the box but instead of a City penalty, the hosts broke and 22 seconds later Fabinho blasted in the opening goal.

Guardiola was enraged on the touchline, as was Sergio Aguero on the pitch, and after the final whistle he shook hands with Liverpool’s players before seeking out the match officials and saying “thank you so much” – his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The incident proved a turning point in Liverpool’s victory which opened up a nine-point lead over reigning champions City who are fourth, a point behind Chelsea and Leicester City.

Asked for his opinion on the opening goal, Guardiola pointedly would not discuss it.

“Ask the referees, don’t ask me,” he told Sky Sports. “Ask (referees chief) Mike

Riley and the guys in the VAR, don’t ask me.”

Guardiola preferred to talk about what he described as an “incredible” display by his beaten side.

“What happened today was we showed why we are the champions,” he said. “In this stadium to play the way we played was incredible, so I’m so proud of my team more than ever.

“Against the strongest team in Europe, so proud.”

Asked whether a ninepoint gap could be bridged to a side that has not lost in 29 Premier League games, Guardiola said he was “not a magician”.

“We tried to do our job and I would like to talk about our performance which was so good,” he said. “The way we played was awesome, one of the best performances.” –