Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was satisfied with his team’s overall performance after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
Despite taking the lead through Josko Gvardiol, Guardiola’s side were pegged back by Anthony Gordon’s penalty in a game where Nick Pope, Newcastle’s goalkeeper, was also a standout performer.
City dominated possession and carved out a series of goal-scoring opportunities, particularly through Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, but City were denied time and again by Pope’s heroics.
Reflecting on the match with TNT Sports, Guardiola said: “They had moments in the first ten minutes and after their goal, but in general, we played really good.
“We made bad decisions at the last minute to make it 2-0. It is always difficult here with their physicality and they defend so deep.
“We had chances but [Nick] Pope was brilliant, so we take the point.
“We made a few poor decisions.”
Pep Guardiola highlights where he believes Man City fell short against Newcastle 🗣️
🎙️ @Becky_Ives_ pic.twitter.com/lR2UoPPvk3
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 28, 2024
“When we scored, we played better. We make a mistake and after, they play better. But then we take the game again and had chances to win it.”
Guardiola took time out to praise some individual performances, singling out Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis for their contributions.
He added: “Mateo was brilliant, Rico too. Bernardo played there. Really good.”
In the end, a point at a notoriously difficult venue was something Guardiola seemed willing to accept, especially given the resilience shown by Newcastle.
However, the City boss will likely be disappointed his side couldn’t make more of their dominance to secure all three points.
The draw leaves City still well-placed in the Premier League standings but serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can make the difference in what is expected to be a close-fought title race.
