Pep Guardiola: I’ve never believed in VAR – Man City must be better and focus instead on Crystal Palace. football news

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he “never believed anything” with referees and VAR after a crucial decision in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal moved five points clear of City after beating West Ham 1-0 on Sunday and the hosts were denied a late equalizer after a VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper David Ray.

City could cut the gap back to two points when they host Crystal Palace live on Wednesday Sky SportsBut Guardiola insists his focus is solely on his team’s performance rather than the referee’s call.

He said: “Tomorrow is important, then we’ll see what happens when we go to the next one. I’ve always learned that when you lose focus, you’re in a dangerous situation.

“Only we can do what we have to do and do it better. It’s only in our control.

“We’ve lost two FA Cup finals because the referees didn’t do what they should have done. Even VAR. When that happened, it was because we had to do better. Not the referees. I’ve never believed in anything (including VAR) since I arrived a long time ago.

“You’ve got to do it better. Do it better. If you want to be in that position, do it better because you’ve got yourself to blame.

“It (VAR) is a coin flip. You have to do it better. It’s Crystal Palace, focus, focus and focus. Of course, we don’t have that in this Premier League. When I came here and at Barcelona and Bayern Munich I always said to the players: ‘Boys do it better’.

“The other is a statement and a task for institutions that govern competition.”

Asked if Arsenal’s important win had affected his players, Guardiola said: “I haven’t seen the players yet. I always give them a day off.

“Crystal Palace – wondering what we have to do. I’ve always learned, in my career as a manager, forget what you can’t control.

“Do better than what you didn’t do this season and get into a better position to fight for the Premier League. We’re still fighting.”

Crystal Palace could play a big role in the title race as they face Arsenal in the final round.

However, as Palace prepares to play after the Conference League final, Oliver Glasner could turn his team around.

The Austrian even hinted that: “I am responsible for Crystal Palace and I get paid to do the best for Crystal Palace, not for City and not for Arsenal.”

Guardiola, however, expects Palace to be tough opponents regardless of the players selected.

He said: “They are very professional. Crystal Palace will play top against us.

“We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs, how they are now out of the relegation battle, but how they compete.

“We’ve played here in the past against Aston Villa and West Ham when they had nothing to play for and saw how difficult it was.

“So I’m sure they’ll do their best even though they have finals in a few days.

“They’re always tough games. There’s value.”

City are hoping midfielder Rodri will prove his fitness after four games out with a groin injury and defender Abdukodir Khusanov could also return.

Guardiola said both players are “good” and will be assessed in training.