Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised Tottenham stars Dele Alli and Harry Kane for reckless challenges during the Etihad side’s 4-1 win over Spurs on Saturday.
Goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and a late double from Raheem Sterling carried the Premier League leaders to a 17th win from 18 games this season, continuing their dominance of the title race.
Yet Guardiola had harsh words for two of their opponents’ star players as he accused both Alli and Kane of challenges that might have injured De Bruyne and Sterling respectively.
“It was a dangerous action, like the one with Harry Kane and Raheem,” Guardiola said after being questioned about Alli’s challenge.
“It’s their football, the physicality of the Premier League and players have to adapt. You saw what happened. Thankfully, it was just a kick.”
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll was also critical of both tackles, pinpointing the Alli tackle as one that was especially bad.
“Dele Alli’s was the worst one of them all. He goes over the ball and I think he is meaning to hurt him,” he told BT Sport. “That is definitely a red card.”
Alli, however, was only booked by referee Craig Pawson, yet his Spurs side slipped to seventh in the standings, two points shy of fourth spot, currently occupied by Arsenal.