In what was an enthralling and pulsating clash that represented the very best of the English topflight, a Nico O’Reilly first half brace – bracketed by Lewis Hall’s reply - ultimately proved decisive.
The win saw City reduce the gap to leaders Arsenal to just two points ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Spurs on Sunday afternoon.
However, City had to dig deep in the second half to withstand a spirited Newcastle fightback and were aided and abetted by a raucous and passionate home support.
And reflecting on what felt a hugely significant night, the City boss reserved special praise for the ‘vibe’ and atmosphere that the fans provided for his team.
“Our connection with the fans today was the best of the season,” Pep declared.
“We have five home games left in the Premier League and we need that vibe.
“The game that we played today is what is going to happen for the next 11. It was so difficult.
“Always I say we have to play for them [the supporters].
“Sometimes they cannot come for many reasons, when we play in midweek the day after the kids have to be at school.
“Tomorrow [most people] are off on Sunday so it was perfect.
“We encourage them to come.
“We do our best and don’t want to disappoint them.
“Since I arrive here 10 years ago, my teams have soul and spirit.
“They try to do everything.
“The way Newcastle played here - man marking - we had to outplay them at that type of game otherwise today it would be impossible.
“Today they man mark, aggressive, win duels but we were there. That’s the rhythm of football.
“That’s why all the Premier League teams are still in the Champions League, the rhythm is massive.
“The game we played was so difficult. In the training centre we watched Aston Villa v Leeds [beforehand], oh my god. Every game will be like that.”
With just 11 league games remaining, the pressure and intensity at the top is getting even more profound.
For many of City’s revamped squad a Premier League title race will represent a new experience.
But rather than being deflected by talk of a battle with Arsenal, for Guardiola, the focus is on rest, recovery and then Leeds who we visit next Saturday tea time.
“I know there are a lot of new players and they have to live it,” the boss added
| 1 |
|
Arsenal
Arsenal
|
27 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 52 | 20 | 32 | 58 |
|
| 2 |
|
Manchester City
Man City
|
27 | 17 | 5 | 5 | 56 | 25 | 31 | 56 |
|
| 3 |
|
Aston Villa
Aston Villa
|
27 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 38 | 28 | 10 | 51 |
|
“It’s not enough what we have done in many games this season to win the Premier League.
“We have to do better to give us the chance to do it.
“I said to them, for the mental courage take a lot of caipirinhas and enjoy life then make a proper three training sessions!
“Then we have to play Leeds. We’ll go Leeds and I have incredible respect for Daniel Farke and we know how difficult it’s going to be.
“11 games is a lot of games in the Premier League and I have a feeling we are not going to win all our games as we have the FA Cup, Carabao Cup final, Champions League, many games and injuries will come.
“Many things are going to happen.”
