Guardiola fumes at VAR decisions despite Manchester City victory in EFL Cup semi-final first leg

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola criticised VAR despite his side running out 2-0 winners in the EFL Cup semi-final first-leg against holders Newcastle at St James’ Park on Tuesday.

Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki scored the goals as City claimed a healthy lead going into the reverse fixture at the Etihad next month.

Semenyo became the first player in 15 years to score in his first two City matches after netting the opening goal eight minutes after half-time before he saw a second goal ruled out following a lengthy VAR check shortly after.

Cherki doubled the lead in the 99th minute but, despite the victory, Guardiola took the chance in his post-match press conference to lament VAR for previous decisions that went against his team.

The City boss referenced a number of incidents in a fiery rant after the game, including two penalty shouts involving Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku that were turned down in the Premier League fixture back in November.

However, the Catalan head coach insisted the situation would make his team stronger.

“In the league game here [St James’ Park] when we lost 2-1, on 60 minutes and 20 minutes, take a look. In my press conference after that game I didn’t say anything,” Guardiola said.

“It’s ok today because we won.

“The two unbelievable penalties that did not happen. But, it’s ok, we know how it works and it will make us stronger as a team. I’ve said that many times to the team. It’s always about that.”

Asked about what specifically he thinks the issue with VAR is, the City boss simply responded: “Ask him [PGMOL chief Howard Webb], ask him.”

Guardiola’s men are back in league action on Saturday when they make the short trip across the city to face rivals Manchester United, who on Tuesday announced the appointment of former player Michael Carrick as their interim manager until the end of the season.