Furious Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini fumes after referee denies a penalty in Everton blank

Manuel Pellegrini rued a late penalty call after a 0-0 draw with Everton saw Manchester City spurn a chance to close on Premier League leaders Arsenal and Leicester City.

Raheem Sterling went down under a challenge from John Stones in the last minute of Wednesday’s game at the Etihad Stadium, but referee Roger East ignored City’s appeals and the game ended goalless.

“I don't think I need to give my thoughts about that action,” said City manager Pellegrini. “The whole stadium could see it was a penalty.

“It was so clear, so near for the referee, and both legs of Raheem were taken and it was a clear foul from Stones. But if the referee doesn't whistle for it, we can't say anything about that.”

City’s failure to score at home in the league for the first time since losing 2-0 to Arsenal on January 18 last year left them three points behind both Leicester, who won 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal, who drew 3-3 at Liverpool.

City were unable to make almost constant second-half pressure count as they drew at home for the first time this season.

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“For different reasons we couldn't score and of course if you drop two points here and other teams around us win away, it's not a good game for us,” added Pellegrini.