Pep Guardiola has vowed to continue Manchester City's title push for years to come after they mmoved four points clear of Liverpool with a Raheem Sterling-inspired Premier League win kicked off in controversial fashion against Watford.
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The reigning champions laid down the gauntlet to Jurgen Klopp's Reds on Saturday evening as their in-form forward netted a second-half hat-trick in just 13 minutes.
Sterling completed his treble with a smart finish, but the way the England international opened the scoring brought with it the EPLs latest officiating controversy.
Appearing offside when played in by Sergio Aguero, referee Paul Tierney awarded the goal after lengthy consultation with assistant Eddie Smart after the ball rebounded in off him thanks to Daryl Janmaat's clearance.
"Well, I guess the first question would be like this," Guardiola said in the post-match press conference.
"My first comment is we won because we deserved to win by far. We were the better team on the pitch.
"Honestly, just in case it's offside, I am sorry. I don't want to do that but I don't know. Really sorry if it is.
"Some referees say it is, sometimes another one says no. But there is a simple solution.
"It should be here this season but next season VAR (will be implemented) and that will not be a problem, and it will be more fair."
Guardiola was frustrated by the questions about officiating, just as he was irked by a report on the eve of the game that he had verbally agreed to join Juventus on a four-year deal.
"I have two more years here and I am (not) going to move," he said.
"Impossible. Except if they sack me and after I go home.
"But if Manchester City want me I will stay two more years by far and hopefully another one.
"I am not going to Juventus in the next two seasons."
Australian Associated Press