Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola cut his post-match interview short after a gripping 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon. The Catalan coach appeared confused at an earlier question on the tense and ‘horrible’ closing stages but backed his team’s performance despite a succession of Magpies chances that could have left City empty-handed.
It looked like business as usual when Ilkay Gundogan fired City into the lead within five minutes. But Eddie Howe’s side came roaring back with goals from Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson, while Kieran Trippier’s scorching free-kick gave them a brief 3-1 lead in the second half.
Guardiola’s men struck back quickly, however, and Erling Haaland’s third goal of the season was swiftly followed up by Bernardo Silva’s equaliser. The scoreline could have been even more dramatic in a thrilling and open contest but, eventually, the final whistle made sure both sides left with a point.
“We could have lost today,” the City boss told Sky Sports. “Three goals is good in a difficult away game. Newcastle is becoming one of the most difficult opponents, for sure.
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The result sees City drop down to second in the Premier League table, with Guardiola’s former protege Mikel Arteta leading the way after three successive wins with Arsenal. Newcastle, meanwhile, move into sixth after preserving their unbeaten record with two draws and a win.
Haaland was under pressure to perform and came up with a close-range goal, but Saint-Maximin put in a dazzling performance to make sure everyone was talking about him by the final whistle. Despite Guardiola’s praise, most onlookers believe that Walker had a torrid afternoon at the hands of the tricky winger and City were carved open on multiple occasions.
“We wanted to go toe-to-toe with them and I thought we did that throughout the match,” said Trippier after the final whistle. “Manchester City are a top side and they have the quality to get themselves back in the game but it shows just how far we have come since January the lads are disappointed after being 3-1 up, but we have to take the positives.
“[Saint-Maximin] is the type of player that gets everyone on the edge of their seat, he is a top quality player and he has shown today what he is all about. I’m delighted he is my team-mate. He gets us up the pitch and wins us matches and he was a threat throughout. For him, it’s about being consistent.”
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