Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Newcastle United are contenders to finish in the top four in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle United have been impressive in the Premier League so far this season, currently sitting fourth in the points table.
The Magpies have lost just one game in the Premier League so far this season, the same number of games lost by Manchester City and Arsenal, who occupy the top two positions.
Newcastle United have 24 points out of 13 points, five points behind Manchester City who have 29 points from 12 games and four points behind Arsenal who have 28 points from 11 games.
Pep Guardiola believes Newcastle United are a candidate to finish in the top four
Guardiola believes Newcastle United are a contender in the race for the top four in the Premier League this season.
With a good manager in Eddie Howe, and with the players they have signed, Guardiola believes Newcastle can contend for a place in the top four.
“Phewww, they are a contender, a contender to be there. The manager is Eddie Howe and you know how good he is. With the new players coming. And the way they play, brave,” Guardiola said.
Man City have already faced Newcastle United once in the 22/23 Premier League season. The defending Premier League champions met Newcastle in their third Premier League game of the season.
The two teams shared points after drawing 3-3 at St. James’ Park. Man City took the lead through Ilkay Gundogan in the 5th minute of the match before Newcastle scored three goals to set up a two-goal cushion.
However, Man City worked their way back into the game, with Erling Haaland making it 3-2 in the 61st minute of the match. Bernardo Silva then found the equalizer just three minutes later.
Speaking about Newcastle United, Guardiola further said: “I see the physicality we face, we played against them [Newcastle United] in the third game of the season. Can you imagine this Newcastle team with one game a week, without European competition?
Meanwhile, Man City secured a 1-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday to sit top of the Premier League points table. Kevin de Bruyne scored the winner by converting a free kick to give Man City three points. Guardiola’s men, however, will drop to second place if Arsenal secure a win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
