Newcastle no longer a surprise package, says Man City boss Guardiola
Newcastle United’s improvement this season is no surprise, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said on Friday as he backed the Tyneside club to remain in and around the top of the Premier League despite their momentum having stalled in recent weeks.
Six successive victories in the league heading into the New Year had Newcastle cemented in the top four but they have won only one of their last seven games and are struggling for goals.
After finishing 11th last season, Eddie Howe’s side are now four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with two games in hand. City are second, five points off leaders Arsenal.
“They have not been here (at the top) a long time, always you think they need time, but they’ve done exceptional recruitment,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of a City’s home ...