Pep Guardiola plants kiss on cheek of fourth official after telling off

Pep Guardiola lightened the temper on the touchline throughout Manchester Metropolis’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on the Emirates Stadium, sharing an uncommon second with fourth official Craig Pawson.

Metropolis had taken an early lead via Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike and seemed heading in the right direction for victory earlier than the Gunners struck again late on.

Within the closing levels, Guardiola discovered himself in a vigorous alternate with Pawson on the sidelines.

As an alternative of letting the telling-off get to him, the Metropolis boss instantly leaned in and planted a kiss on Pawson’s cheek. The official stepped again, momentarily startled however with a smile, earlier than resuming his duties, whereas Guardiola chuckled along with his palms on his hips – each clearly seeing the humorous aspect.

Guardiola’s grin didn’t final lengthy, nonetheless. Moments later, after Pawson signalled seven minutes of harm time, Metropolis conceded deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli rescued a degree for Arsenal, fantastically chipping Gianluigi Donnarumma to cancel out Haaland’s opener.

The end result means Arsenal stay unbeaten of their final 5 Premier League conferences with Metropolis.

Chatting with Sky Sports activities after the sport, Guardiola praised his aspect’s resilience.

“At the moment we performed towards a robust staff,” he mentioned. “Hats off to our staff for the resilience. It is so troublesome while you’re not efficient with excessive urgent, it is all the time robust within the build-up. We made some transitions. I believe the result’s honest. Basically, Arsenal have been higher.”

No point out of the kiss, although. Poor Craig Pawson.

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