'Always' - Marc Guehi in agreement with Pep Guardiola over Newcastle United
Marc Guehi and Pep Guardiola were in agreement about Newcastle United after Manchester City’s 2-1 win.
Pep Guardiola and Marc Guehi were full of praise for Newcastle United after running Manchester City close at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City emerged as narrow 2-1 winners through Nico O’Reilly’s first-half brace. The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 14th minute before putting his side back in front not long after Lewis Hall had equalised.
The victory saw the Citizens close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to two points while the Magpies stayed 10th, nine points behind the top five.
Pep Guardiola praises ‘incredible’ Newcastle United
"Massive [result], Newcastle is an incredible team, awesome in physicality and speed they have up front,” Guardiola said. “Physicality in the middle. Really tough but the team was unbelievable.
"In Champions League [on Wednesday] it was 5-0 at half-time, the physicality and pace they have since Saudi Arabia took over the club, the way they play is so difficult. So I am pleased with the way we played today.
"Every action, [Dan] Burn, Joelinton, they put flat ball in behind, it's a really tough team. I have incredible respect for that team. Winning three times in a row [against Newcastle], in a few weeks we gave to go there again [in the FA Cup], what a nightmare.”
Marc Guehi on facing ‘difficult’ Newcastle United
And Guehi echoed the thoughts of Guardiola during his post-match interview with TNT Sports.
Guehi said: “These games are always difficult. Always tough games to play in. We know Newcastle are such a difficult team to play against with their intensity and their endeavour, and also their quality on the ball.
“I think it was a really good win today. I wouldn't say a statement win but one that puts us in a really good position moving forward."
Marc Guehi and how he almost joined Newcastle United
Guehi was making his sixth appearance for Manchester City after joining from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window.
The move came 18 months after the Magpies pushed hard to sign the 25-year-old, as Palace rejected offers north of £50million.
Guehi stayed at Selhurst Park last season and went on to achieve legendary status as he became the first Palace captain to lift a major trophy in the club’s 121-year history.
Newcastle have maintained an interest in Guehi but were aware of approaches from other clubs.
The England international agreed a £35m move to Liverpool on summer transfer deadline day but Palace called off a move having been unable to sign a replacement.
But six months on and Guehi eventually moved on to pastures new, joining Man City in a £20m deal. The Eagles made the decision to cash in on their skipper, whose contract was due to expire in June.