'We behaved incredibly' - Pep Guardiola defends Erling Haaland and Co after Man City players explode at referee Simon Hooper in Tottenham draw following FA charge

City players charged towards Hooper when the referee unexpectedly blew the whistle after Jack Grealish was sent through on goal by Haaland in the final minute of injury time during their 3-3 draw against Spurs last weekend. Haaland was fuming at the decision and he spotted screaming on the referee's face and tweeted 'WTF' after the match to vent his frustration. The FA have already charged City for failing to control their players but Guardiola believes that his troops were within their boundaries and refused to throw them under the bus in front of reporters.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of City's next Premier League match, Guardiola said: "We behaved incredibly this season. How we behaved in our not good results or decisions, even after the game and the comments from my players accepting we can do better, is what I want to see from my team and my club. After that, we'll accept all the decisions from the Premier League or whatever."

Although his players have had a lot to say about Hooper's decisions, Guardiola did not want to do the same. Instead, he has urged his players to step up the game to win the three points, without making excuses.

"I never use these kinds of situations. The motivation is to try and do better," he said.

"Sometimes decisions help us, sometimes they are against us. I learnt from where I come from that if you want to win something, you have to do it much, much better than the opponent. When you are level or have the feeling that it is not going to happen, you have to do much, much better. This is what they have to do. We have to try to reduce the number of chances we concede, try not to concede goals, and try to play."

Despite the recent slump, Guardiola remains confident that they can win the Premier League in May. However, to walk the talk they must keep pace with leaders Arsenal who are three points ahead of them. They will face Unai Emery's Aston Villa on Wednesday, before making a trip to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town on Sunday.