Missed penalty shout angers Pelle

MANCHESTER City bemoaned a controversial late penalty decision as they dropped two points in the title race with a frustrating goalless draw against Everton.

Raheem Sterling looked to have been fouled by John Stones in injury time of a lively Barclays Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium, but referee Roger East saw it differently.

The upside for third–placed City was that leaders Arsenal were also held at Liverpool, but manager Manuel Pellegrini was in no doubt his side should have had a spot–kick.

Pellegrini said: “The whole stadium could see it was a penalty. It was a clear foul from Stones but if the referee doesn’t whistle for it, we can’t say anything about that.”

East’s decision cost City the chance to claim a victory they arguably deserved for their second–half dominance on a cold and wet night.

The hosts created numerous chances, but found the recently–maligned Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard in superb form, while Sergio Aguero also had two penalty claims turned down.

Howard, who saved a powerful header from Yaya Toure in the first half, kept out two good efforts from Aguero as well as denying Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne.