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Pep Guardiola eased the mood on the touchline during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, sharing an unusual moment with fourth official Craig Pawson.
City took an early lead through Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike and looked for victory before the Gunners hit back late.
In the final minutes, Guardiola found himself in a heated exchange with Pawson on the sidelines.
Instead of allowing himself to be scolded, the city boss suddenly leaned over and placed a kiss on Pawson’s cheek. The official stepped back, momentarily surprised but with a smile, before resuming his duties, while Guardiola laughed with his hands on his hips – both clearly seeing the funny side.
Pep Guardiola just kissed the fourth official and added 7 minutes of extra time 😭😭😂😂#ARSMCIpic.twitter.com/oueveR8P8R
—Austine ✪ (@Austinooffical) September 21, 2025
Guardiola’s smile didn’t last long, however. Moments later, after Pawson signaled seven minutes of injury time, City conceded deep into injury time. Gabriel Martinelli saved a point for Arsenal, superbly chipping Gianluigi Donnarumma to cancel out Haaland’s opener.
The result means Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with City.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola praised his team’s resilience.
“Today we played against a powerful team,” he said. “Hats off to our team for their resilience. It’s so difficult when you’re not effective with high pressing, it’s always hard in the preparation. We made a few transitions. I think the result is fair. In general, Arsenal were better.”
No mention of the kiss, though. Poor Craig Pawson.
