Newcastle United have the unenvious task of taking on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this weekend.
The champions are in town, with Man City set to face the Magpies at St James’ Park. It will be an incredibly tough game for Eddie Howe’s side, who have started the season brightly themselves.
While Man City have six points out of six, Newcastle have four. That’s a decent return, and a huge improvement on last season.
Howe has made huge changes to the club since he replaced Steve Bruce, and Guardiola has spoke about what the new Toon boss has achieved.
He hasn’t improved them enough to beat City though, losing 4-0 and 5-0 last season. However, Guardiola was still impressed with how Newcastle played against his side back in May.
Guardiola on Newcastle
The Spaniard has spoke to the press about Sunday’s game and praised his opposite number for the impact he’s had in the North East. Guardiola also looked back on the two teams’ last encounter.
“Their numbers and style of play speaks for itself. He [Eddie Howe] arrived in a difficult position last season, when the owners took over he went on an incredible run,” he said.
Last year it was different, our first game after Madrid with the emotion. They were already safe. The level of attention after Madrid was high, we gave everything.
“I saw the game again and we struggled for second balls. They are exceptional players in terms of how direct and aggressive they are. They have important players.
“Newcastle away is always an incredible environment.”
Last Man City clash was brutal for Newcastle
While Guardiola may have thought Newcastle were aggressive last time we met, we were nowhere near good enough. Howe’s side lost 5-0, which remains our biggest defeat since he replaced Bruce.
The Magpies had moments in attack but were wasteful, while some poor defending seriously cost us. In truth, we faced a title chasing Man City side who had a point to prove after being humiliated in the Champions League.
While the scoreline wasn’t pretty, it was always going to be difficult.
However, there will be hope that this meeting can be different. Newcastle will be backed by a raucous St James’ Park crowd, which should hopefully make a difference.
There is also Michail Antonio’s words of advice to consider. He doesn’t think Man City are ‘match fit‘ yet, so pressing them high could bring joy.
If we play in the same aggressive way as he did the last time, it could provide a better result. Here’s hoping, anyway…
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