RUNNING PEP FURY AT REF JUSTICE

As Pep’s prediction of ‘suffering’ nearly came true

berate his side for such a sloppy start, with City producing a swift response by levelling seven minutes later.

David Silva split the home defence with a sublime ball through to Sane, who in turn found Aguero, who converted from close range for his sixth goal of the season.

Raheem Sterling should have made it 2-1 when he embarked on a surging goal-bound run in the 15th minute, but the City winger’s effort was blocked by Baumann.

Guardiola cut a frustrated figure, with his side unable to turn their dominance once back on level terms into the hard currency of a second goal to establish a lead their play deserved.

The City boss received a talking-to from referee Damir Skomina for straying from his technical area too frequently and complaining at perceived injustices from the officials.

Aguero nearly made it 2-1 in the 34th minute with a delightful chipped effort that looked to be curling under the bar, but Baumann dived at full stretch to turn the ball away.

At the other end, Aymeric Laporte, deployed at left-back with a view to Guardiola playing him there at Liverpool, almost gifted a second goal to Belfodil with an under-hit backpass, but was rescued by Ederson.

The Brazilian almost undid that good work after the break when he raced from his line to head clear a long goal-kick from his opposite number but missed the ball completely, although Sane was on hand to cover for his keeper.

In a bid to make the decisive breakthrough, Guardiola changed formation, switching to a back-three and bringing on central defender John Stones to play in midfield, as well as Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez.

City should have been awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute when Sane took the ball past Baumann and was felled by the outstretched arms of the Hoffenheim keeper, but Skomina saw no foul.

Guardiola was incensed at the decision, racing down touchline to vent his anger and having to be hauled back by assistant boss Mikel Arteta, before throwing his jacket off furiously.

But City secured the win their play and endeavour merited with the double Silva contribution, although Guardiola, pumped-up and full of rage, could not resist berating the fourth official at the final whistle.