Newcastle United surprised Eddie Howe with their response to conceding early to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side took an early lead courtesy of Ilkay Gundogan, who had the freedom of St James’ Park after just five minutes.
His goal made it feel like it was going to be a brutal afternoon where the champions had their way with Newcastle, much like they did last season.
However, that’s not what happened at all.
The Magpies eventually rallied after the goal, and went on to dominate the rest of the first half. Our pressing was incredible and we created chance after chance. That then allowed us to turn the game on its head, with goals from Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson making it 2-1.
Newcastle found a way to be successful against Man City, and it sounds like Howe’s game plan went almost perfectly.
Howe on Newcastle’s reason to Man City’s first goal
After the game, Howe spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked about his side going a goal behind early.
“It seemed to help us at the time which I was surprised because we intended to start the game in the way we were playing after they scored,” he said.
“It seemed to take the goal just to relax us and take the pressure off us in some way. But then we were very, very good and we caused them problems.
“We started to pass the ball really well.”
Newcastle responded brilliantly against Man City
Conceding early felt like the worst thing that could have happened. With Man City’s attacking talent and relentless passing, it could easily have been a game that they dominated from first minute to last.
But that didn’t happen. Instead, Newcastle responded. We got higher up the pitch and in their faces, matching them tactically which isn’t easy to do.
How Newcastle ended up playing appears to what Howe envisioned from the start. Sadly we had to give them a one-goal lead to get going.
But when we did get going – wow. The performance from Newcastle was sensational, and on another day we see that out and take all three points.
To play that well against a team of Man City’s quality has to give us real confidence, despite not winning. We’ve got Liverpool coming up soon, and they will provide an equally as difficult test. The only disadvantage is that we are playing at Anfield rather than St James’ Park.
But Newcastle will believe they can give anyone a game now. And even falling behind won’t stop them. This team has character in abundance.
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