Pep: We Lost Two Finals Because Refs Didn't Do Their Jobs

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has alleged that his City side lost two finals because "referees didn't do their jobs," as his side prepares to take on Crystal Palace in a match that could impact the outcome of this season's Premier League title race.

It is a must-win encounter for the Citizens, as a good result on Wednesday night will keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal, who are currently five points clear at the summit.

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Guardiola insisted that his side cannot rely on any help as they make a push for the title, and used the FA Cup finals against rivals Manchester United in 2024 and Crystal Palace in 2025 as examples.

"We lost the two finals of the FA Cup because the referees didn't do their jobs they should do, even the VAR," Guardiola said, per the Daily Mail.

"When this happens it is because we have to do better, not (blame) the referees or VAR. I never trust anything since I arrived a long time ago.

"Always I learned you have to do it better, do it better, be in a position to do it better because (VAR) is a flip of a coin.

"VAR was not installed last weekend. It has been here for many years. We adapt, and everybody knows it."

During last year's final, the Sky Blues fumed at Dean Henderson not being shown a red card for a handball incident.

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Stuart Attwell, who refereed that encounter, will also be taking charge on Wednesday when City host the Eagles at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola and his men will hope that there are no controversial calls as they try to close the gap between them and the Gunners to two points heading into the last two games of the season.