Pellegrini told the BBC after the game: “It was a penalty that Clattenburg wanted to sign for and he gave the sign”.
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Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher think Manchester City’s title chances may have disappeared following their 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham. “Before that, it was a close game and the decisive penalty was important”. I am thinking I could have been a bit quicker or a bit more mobile or I could have worked on this or that.
Pellegrini’s comments are not deemed to imply clear bias and he will not be asked to explain his views.
“I feel humiliated”, said crestfallen Villa manager Remi Garde.
After substitute Kelechi Iheanacho equalised on 74 minutes, birthday boy Christian Eriksen’s late goal secured three points for Spurs.
Kompany said he was “hopeful” his injury issues are behind him now, before underlining his determination to stay on top of the situation and remain a key figure for the club.
After Sturridge and James Milner secured a 2-0 lead at halftime, Liverpool scored four goals in 13 second-half minutes – through Emre Can, Divock Origi, Nathaniel Clyne and Kolo Toure – to seal its biggest win under Juergen Klopp.
“It was a very important moment to share with our fans”.
Alluding City’s come-from-behind title wins in 2012 and 2014 the skipper added: “We’re really disappointed that we gave away two or three chances to concede two goals”.
It was a second successive damaging defeat after last week’s loss to Leicester but Pellegrini insisted his team can still recover.
“They were brilliant. I said before the game that they were the best team I’ve seen this season”.
“This is the way that is most important for them to appreciate and show they are very important for us”.
The most open championship race for years saw the two London teams increase the pressure on Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes, who are hanging on to first place with 53 points and 12 matches to play.
While City must quickly find a way to lift the mood, Spurs are buoyant and in a great position from which to challenge for a first title since 1961. I think our players deserve full credit for the performance.
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“But in every game this season we have had good organisation, and even when things are not going the way you want, you can fall back on that organisation, and then try to go up front and make a goal, like we did this time”.
