Man City have made some steps backwards, admits Pep Guardiola
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Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are level on 41 points with Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, with City in fifth and the Magpies in sixth.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola finds himself in the unfamiliar position of battling for a top-four spot in the Premier League, but such has been the English champions’ poor form this season that they have to make the best of reality at the moment.
Fifth-placed City welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium for their league clash on Feb 15, with the Magpies in sixth and level on 41 points and also the same goal difference of plus-13.
“The whole league has made a step forward in all the teams and we made some steps backwards in terms of what we were last season, previous seasons,” said Guardiola on Feb 14.
“(Newcastle have) a lot of threats, positive things. Physicality they have, speed, long balls, set pieces, experience, a solid team...
“They always have been a difficult side since Eddie Howe took over. They have good form and unbelievable pace. It’s a credit to them.”
City are returning to Premier League football following a heavy 5-1 defeat by Arsenal in their last fixture. Guardiola’s men are now two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
They bounced back from that loss with a shaky 2-1 win over Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round before losing again, 3-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs in midweek.
What would be concerning for Guardiola was that his side allowed a one-goal lead to slip with just five minutes remaining, as their Spanish opponents clinched the first leg of the tie at the Etihad Stadium.
City have conceded late in matches numerous times this season – they have now lost five games in which they have led in all competitions in this campaign.
“We’ve recovered and we move forward,” added Guardiola.
Before they plan a way to fight back at the Santiago Bernabeu next week, the focus now would be on Newcastle.
City have won their last 15 Premier League home games against the Magpies, and scored in their previous 32 league matches against them – so they are huge favourites to win despite Guardiola being wary of Newcastle’s “threats”.
But he will be without Manuel Akanji, confirming that the defender will undergo surgery for an adductor issue and be out for eight to 10 weeks. Jack Grealish and Nico Gonzalez are also doubtful.
As for Howe’s Newcastle, Dan Burn will be further assessed and Anthony Gordon has trained following a slight issue, but Sven Botman is likely to be sidelined for a while longer.
Newcastle have won their last four Premier League away fixtures, including wins over Manchester United (2-0) and Tottenham Hotspur (2-1).
The Magpies are through to the League Cup final in March to take on Liverpool. They will hope to end their 70-year wait for a major trophy, but securing Champions League football is equally important.
When asked if now is the best time to play City because of their struggles, Howe insisted that they are still a dangerous team because of their experience in winning titles.
“I think they’ve been sensational, and so consistent, for so many seasons, which is so difficult to do at this level because of the standard of the teams,” he said.
“Every team is very difficult to play against. We’ve found out recently in a couple of home games, if you drop by 1 per cent, you can get beaten. Every game is very difficult, nothing’s given to you.”
