Pep Guardiola Confronts Officials, Defends Donnarumma Despite Mistake

"This is a player that is not affected by that,” Guardiola said. “But we conceded a yellow card, that's good, yeah. We have James Trafford, it will not be a problem... 16, 17 years playing with Milan, and the national team, that guy is that. That defines the good players, how they react."

Guardiola Vents Frustration

A scrum of City players immediately surrounded the officials following the goal. Bournemouth winger David Brooks appeared to grab and pull Donnarumma’s arm as the corner was whipped into the box. Donnarumma received a yellow card for protesting.

Guardiola was furious at the referee, Anthony Taylor's decision, and vented his frustration during his postgame press conference.

"When you see the replay, it is unbelievable that he was not fouled,” he said. “There are things that sometimes are difficult to understand, why this was not disallowed.”

"I said to him (Taylor), 'After when we see each other, tell me if it's a foul or not,” Guardiola said. “Because I'm waiting. If it's a foul or not? Just tell me. Just take a look, it's fine'. They are brave here, in the Etihad they are brave. So brave.”

Erling Haaland scored twice in the match. The Norwegian forward became the third player in Premier League history to score two or more goals in four consecutive home games. Only legendary Liverpool strikers Luis Suarez and Robbie Fowler had accomplished the feat previously.

Nico O'Reilly netted in the 60th minute to put the match out of reach.

Man City currently sit second in the Premier League table behind leaders Arsenal. The Gunners have collected 25 points through the first 10 fixtures of the 2025-26 season, with City trailing by six points.