Pep Guardiola issues spiky response to Michael Keane’s horror Jeremy Doku tackle

Match Report and Player Ratings: Everton 3-3 Manchester City (Premier League)

The challenge, which occurred just before the half-time break, saw Jeremy Doku require significant medical attention and left the Manchester City bench incensed at the lack of a red card.

The result has significant implications for the Premier League title race, handing Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal the chance to secure the trophy for the first time in over 20 years if they win their remaining games.

Pep Guardiola’s frustration was palpable, as the Catalan appeared to grow weary of questions surrounding the physical treatment his star flair player received during the encounter. With the FA Cup Final against Chelsea looming, any potential injury to Doku would no doubt be a catastrophic blow, given his importance over the last few weeks.

“It’s not my job”, says Pep Guardiola

When asked about the tackle, Pep Guardiola gave a characteristically quick-fire response, pointing towards subsequent punditry analysis to decide on the deserving punishment for Michael Keane.

“OK. Your pundits can say it,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.

Later addressing reporters during his post-match press conference, Guardiola continued, “What can I say? Yellow card. 50 seconds, Doku out, waiting to come back.”

On whether he personally felt the challenge was deserving of a red card, Pep Guardiola said, “It’s not my job.”

Doku’s fitness in the spotlight

The spiky nature of Pep Guardiola’s comments perhaps reflects a deeper concern regarding player protection, with Jeremy Doku’s ability to stay on and score a dramatic equaliser showing his own personal nature and willingness to continue for his side’s cause.

With a nightmare run-in of five games in the next 18 days, Guardiola certainly cannot afford to lose his most in-form creative outlet, with the focus now turning to recovery as City prepare for their next Premier League hurdle against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.