Newcastle should start being taken seriously—Guardiola warns EPL

Newcastle vs. Manchester City on Sunday told a different story from the recent ones that were usually told in the fixture.

This one, on the contrary told the Premier League that though Manchester City remains as a force to be reckoned with, there is a new force coming into town with Newcastle.

And for Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, it is something he learnt the hard way seeing as he came out of the game careful enough not to fall to a first season defeat.

Speaking after the match, the City boss, praised Newcastle’s performance in the game and Allan Saint-Maximin’s input for the Toon armies in the 3-3 draw.

The game started with Manchester City as usual taking their birthright lead through an Ilkay Gundogan goal at St. James’ Park, but for a resilient Newcastle side, contrary to their 5-0 humbling last season, they showed character.

Saint Maximin came through for the side to quickly turn things around to prove the game was very much not a Manchester City training ground but a Premier League clash.

The winger set up goals for Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson and was fouled for a free-kick which Kieran Trippier curled into the top corner.

Newcastle United were set up for the win but the intervention of Erling Haaland restored hoped for Manchester City in which Bernardo Silva completed to keep things level.

“Allan Saint-Maximin is really dangerous,” Guardiola told BBC Sport after the match.

“Newcastle are becoming one of the toughest opponents for sure,” Guardiola added.

Of course, Guardiola’s words are no strange one for Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp who had often times summoned praises on Allan Saint Maximin.

Newcastle United vs. Manchester City: A derby we never knew we wanted