Manchester City's Premier League title aspirations suffered a significant blow on Sunday as they surrendered a 2-0 lead against Tottenham, ultimately drawing 2-2 in a controversial match. The draw, fueled by Dominic Solanke's stunning equalizer, leaves City six points behind Arsenal in the title race.

Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with the refereeing decisions, particularly concerning Solanke's first goal, which ignited Tottenham's second-half comeback. Guardiola argued that Solanke's challenge on City defender Marc Guéhi should have been deemed a foul. He contended that Solanke kicked through the back of Guéhi's leg before the ball went in, but neither the referee nor the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened.

"OK, then you make the answer [for me]," Guardiola stated when asked if Solanke had fouled Guéhi. "If it's a central defender to a striker it's a penalty, right? You said the same, so you saw it". He later told BBC Radio 5 Live that it was “fascinating in the Premier League”. In his post-match press conference, Guardiola added that "there was an emotional issue for the first goal that the referee conceded to Spurs … and after that, the momentum is difficult to control, whatever happens here in England".

City had appeared to be in control of the match after first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. However, Tottenham mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, with Guéhi's own goal giving them a lifeline. Solanke then scored a sensational goal, described as a potential "goal of the season" contender, to level the score. His audacious backheel finish drew comparisons to Olivier Giroud's famous goal for Arsenal in 2017.

Guardiola has voiced his dissatisfaction with several refereeing decisions in recent weeks. He previously questioned the decision to allow Antoine Semenyo's goal against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, Diogo Dalot's avoidance of a red card in the Manchester derby, and a potential handball penalty denied to City against Wolves.

Despite the setback, Guardiola dismissed suggestions that Manchester City had given up hope of catching Arsenal in the title race. "It's a setback, but we are still there,” he told BBC Sport. “There are still 14 games to go, and those points available". He acknowledged the difficulties but praised his team's spirit. "The momentum in the Premier League, when you concede a goal it happens and especially when you cannot control it," Guardiola said. "That will be the lesson and that will make us stronger and better players in the future".

The draw provided a boost for Tottenham and their manager, Thomas Frank, who has been under pressure. It prevented another home defeat and marked a timely comeback for Spurs. Meanwhile, Arsenal benefited most from the result, increasing their lead over Manchester City in the Premier League standings.