‘Since Saudi Arabia took over the club…’ says Pep Guardiola Newcastle United

Pep Guardiola watched as his Manchester City team came out on top against Newcastle United.

A result that means they are two points behind Arsenal and have their fate in their own hands.

With the Gunners still playing at the Etihad, they are guaranteed the title if Manchester City win all their remaining 11 Premier League games.

However, Manchester City knew that this had been far from an easy victory, while Newcastle United were unlucky not to be able to take something from an excellent performance that helped make this such a high quality watch.

Pep Guardiola stated after the final whistle: “A huge result, Newcastle United are an incredible team, great in the physicality and speed they have up front. Physicality in the middle. Really tough, but the [Manchester City] team was incredible.”

Manchester City had a week off to prepare and Pep Guardiola also had the luxury of fielding his reserve side against Salford in the FA Cup last weekend, so nine first-choice players returned to the starting line-up against Newcastle United.

On the other hand, United played their third away match in a row in Azerbaijan on Wednesday evening, achieving three away wins in the space of a week.

Pep Guardiola is full of praise for Newcastle United, but never shies away from a little mischief…“In the Champions League [against Qarabag on Wednesday] it was 5-0 at half time, the physicality and pace they have had since Saudi Arabia took over the club, the way they play is so difficult. So I’m happy with the way we played today.”

With Manchester City back in the title race, it was noticeable that there were far fewer empty seats than usual at the Etihad and that the atmosphere was actually quite decent, not just among the Newcastle United fans.

Although Man City faded after their thrilling start to the match, the atmosphere among the home fans also diminished as Newcastle United played so well.

Pep Guardiola says about the title race: “Seventy percent of the players have never been in this situation before [of a close title race] and I don’t play. So we have to live by it, they know every game will be like that. Especially at home, with five home games to go. Today was the best crowd of the year, it was incredible with our people, really proud to be a manager of these incredible people and fans. Now we rest for three days, which we need, and then we play against Leeds.”