‘Big mistake’ – Man City striker Haaland slams referee Jarred Gillet for handball call in 1-0 win v Spurs | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Braut Haaland wasn’t impressed by on-field referee Jarred Gillett, who ruled out his second goal for handball.

The Cityzens have alternated between victory and defeat in the Premier League since late January, culminating in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.

However, they bounced back from that defeat to edge Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in north London and reclaim their spot in the top four.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is traditionally a difficult place for City to visit, but Haaland’s 12th-minute strike was enough to hand Pep Guardiola’s side back-to-back wins at Spurs’ headquarters.

After turning in Jeremy Doku’s cross early on, Haaland got on the score sheet again but was denied a brace by Gillett, who seemingly spotted a handball.

The referee’s decision was upheld by the VAR, leaving Haaland frustrated, although he ended up as the match-winner as Spurs failed to find a leveller.

Speaking after the game (via BBC Live), Haaland said: “It’s because he [Gillett] made the decison on the pitch, that it was a free kick.

“It’s a great goal, and I don’t think it’s handball, but what can we do – we won, I’m happy.

Haaland’s 12th-minute strike was his first in the Premier League since February 2, taking his tally to 20 goals this season.

The Norwegian talisman sits five goals behind perennial contender Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot and will be keen to end a tumultuous campaign on a high.

City’s top-four charge doesn’t get any easier as they travel to West Bridgford to take on third-placed Nottingham Forest at City Ground in their next Premier League outing.

The Tricky Trees have won just one of their last five games, but they’ve built a reputation as giant killers over the past two seasons, and City must be wary of the threat from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.