Guardiola questions ‘dangerous’ Tottenham tackling

Daniel Storey

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was left unimpressed by the challenges of both Dele Alli and Harry Kane during his side’s 4-1 success over Tottenham on Saturday evening.

City claimed a 16th straight Premier League win at the Etihad Stadium, with another brilliant display of football that left their hosts bedazzled.

But the result could have had a different feeling had poor challenges by Kane on Raheem Sterling and in particular, Alli on Kevin De Bruyne done any lasting damage.

“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.”