Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been criticised for a claim he made after the Premier League champions suffered defeat at Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues first loss...

The Sky Blues have started their title defence brightly, having still scored more goals than any other top flight side whilst conceding the joint-fewest (premierleague.com).

Spearheaded by the sensational form of marquee summer signing Erling Haaland, City are still in solid shape to potentially overcome rivals Arsenal and retain a third-successive domestic crown.

However, the Eastlands outfit were dealt a slight dampener to their recent form with a first defeat of the season at Anfield on Sunday.

Mohamed Salah's late winner brought an end to City's unbeaten 2022/2023 but Guardiola will argue they were rather unlucky over the 90 minutes.

Phil Foden's opening goal, for instance, was ruled out through VAR as Haaland was adjudged to have tugged Fabinho's shirt in the build up.

Speaking post-match after the incident, Guardiola hinted the decision may not have gone City's way due to where they were playing, stating 'this is Anfield'.

The Latest: Hackett sends Guardiola message...

In response to the interview message, ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett has claimed Guardiola needs a 'wrap across the knuckles' for his comment.

He explained to Football Insider:

“He can’t say that.

“I think that’s something that means he needs a letter from the FA because he needs a wrap across the knuckles.

“He’s actually questioning the integrity of the referee and you are not allowed to do that.

“This nonsense that you don’t get decisions at Anfield is a nonsense. It’s a myth that shouldn’t be added to, it’s one that should be rebutted.”

The Verdict: In the moment...

We believe Guardiola's statement can be chalked off as a heat of the moment comment.

The sour taste of a loss away to Liverpool will have still been lingering and the former Barcelona manager endured an evening to forget.

In the dugout, Guardiola also allegedly had coins thrown at him whilst watching his City side fail to overcome their fierce rivals.

Indeed, the Blues will want to put the result behind them quickly and return to winning ways.