Pep Guardiola sends classy message to Newcastle United after beating Manchester City

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola congratulated Newcastle United on their Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City.

It was a game of two halves at St James’ Park as Guardiola’s side dominated the first but couldn’t find a breakthrough. United improved significantly after the break and Alexander Isak’s goal in the 53rd minute proved to be the winner.

And rather than sulk over his side’s premature exit from the competition they’ve won six times in the last 10 years, Guardiola heaped praise on Eddie Howe’s Magpies.

“First congratulations to Newcastle for going through,” said the Man City boss. A big compliment to the players, I told them in the locker room, for the way that we played compared to last season against Southampton, we were there.

“We were brilliant first half, and of course for the way we played. I think Newcastle couldn’t accept [our first half dominance], they increased the rhythm and aggression and kicking, and they were there, more aggressive.

“We struggled a little but that’s normal. I said at half time the second half will not be like the first. I don’t know how many fouls they did and how many we did but we had double yellow cards. It is what it is.

“I said to be there in the bad moments and we were there. At the end, we could not win, with the crowd. Congratulations to Newcastle.

“We have incredible positive things for many, many players for their good play. The competitions we won plus the European Super Cup, we have three more competitions to play in.

“For the rest of the teams, good luck for the Carabao Cup.”

Both teams made changes for the fixture on the back of a busy schedule of Premier League and Champions League football.

Nick Pope was the only survivor from Sunday’s 8-0 win at Sheffield United with Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley handed their full debuts while Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett made their first starts in 2023-24.

Meanwhile, Man City made eight changes with Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic returning from injury, plus a rare start for Kalvin Phillips and a full debut for 20-year-old Oscar Bobb.

Ultimately, it was the introduction of Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon at half-time that swung the game in the Magpies’ favour.