A controversial incident occurred with Manchester City leading 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland appeared to be fouled by goalkeeper Matz Sels inside the penalty area, but the referee did not award the home team a penalty. VAR reviewed the play quickly and upheld the on-field decision. Moments later, Elliot Anderson scored the equalizer, making it 2-2.

Earlier in the match, Haaland also appealed for a penalty, claiming Neco Williams pulled his arm in the box. Late in the game, Rodri fell after a collision with Nikola Milenkovic, but the referee again waved play on.

Erling Haaland falls in the penalty area after colliding with goalkeeper Matz Sels, during Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in the 29th round of the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 4/3. *Reuters*.

After the match, Bernardo Silva criticized the officiating. "We are almost used to it this season. All 50-50 situations go against us", Silva told TNT Sports. "I just re-watched Erling's play, and for me, it was a penalty."

The Portuguese midfielder admitted there might be differing opinions but stated Manchester City must accept the reality. "People can have different views. But what else can Erling do? We are used to this. The only thing we can do is play better, because those decisions are beyond our control", he added.

The 2-2 draw has significant implications for Manchester City's title aspirations. At the Etihad Stadium on 4/3, Manchester City led two times through goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri, but Nottingham Forest held them to a 2-2 draw. This result allowed Arsenal to extend their lead to 7 points. Manchester City no longer controls their own destiny in the title race, despite having one game in hand and a crucial home match against Arsenal on 22/3.

Coach Pep Guardiola offered his assessment of the game. "There are games we didn't deserve, but today the team played well for most of the time", he commented. "Forest defended very tightly and are a strong team. But we played dynamically. If we analyze it overall, this was a good match. We had many positives, though there are still things to improve."

Despite the setback, the Spanish coach remained optimistic with 9 rounds left in the season, shifting his focus to the upcoming FA Cup 5th round match against Newcastle on 7/3. He also declined to comment extensively on the incident involving Haaland and the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper in the penalty area.

"I always believe Manchester City needs to play better so as not to depend on referee decisions", the 55-year-old coach said. "That is the responsibility of the entire team."

By Hong Duy, drawing from Sky Sports and Mancity.com