The defending champions followed up on the superb midweek display against Leeds United with a comfortable win at St James’ Park.
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It means City have broken two English football records, for the most wins in a calendar year and the most away league wins in a calendar year, but, whilst Guardiola felt his side thoroughly deserved the three points, he says we must improve.
“Good result,” he said when asked for his assessment at his post-match press conference.
“Exceptional [result], in a not very good performance at all, especially the first half.
“We were lucky for the goal we scored at the beginning of the game. The second goal was a brilliant action from Joao [Cancelo], but the way we played in the first half was one of the poorest of the season.
“The first half was a dangerous position. The second half was much, much better.
“During the season this can happen. It’s normal. You can’t be brilliant all the time.
“We more than deserved the victory but we know we can do better and better.
“In these types of games you might not be so brilliant, or consistent like we were for the simple things we missed, not the complicated ones.
“(But) to take a result is so important in this long season ahead of us.”
City’s game was one of four Premier League fixtures to go ahead this weekend, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing six games to be postponed.
With 10 matches called off in the last week, clubs will meet on Monday to discuss how best to proceed and Guardiola says he will support whatever ruling the league make on the matter.
“I will support the doctors and scientists and the Premier League’s decision,” he added.
“I see people in the street, nobody wearing a mask, nobody social distancing. That’s why it will happen sooner or later.
“We try to create a good environment for players, staff and backroom staff to realise the danger is still here. We have to try it knowing it’s not easy, it’s a problem worldwide that’s still there. The virus is there, the new variant.
“We will support what the Premier League decides.”
