Pep Guardiola oversaw another engrossing game of football, but this time his team was on the losing end as Newcastle United beat Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday at St. James’ Park.
A brilliant first half did not produce a goal for either team thanks to goalkeeping heroics by Nick Pope and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
MORE — Newcastle vs Man City recap, video highlights
But the dam burst open after the hour mark with three goals in about seven minutes as Harvey Barnes scored twice around a Ruben Dias goal.
Barnes’ second goal included a flashpoint as Man City thought Donnarumma was fouled in the build-up.
Guardiola rang in the changes in hopes of an equalizer and winner but instead saw his team lose for just the second time since August 31.
Pep Guardiola reaction after Manchester City lose thriller at Newcastle
Thoughts on the game? “Tight game, chances, entertaining game. At the end they scored two goals. We had one. … It was a really good performance in general. We had chances. Second half unfortunately we could not finish.”
What did you say at half? “It’s good, keep going, We know that. I know his intensity and high-pressing is good. His physicality in the middle is really strong and unfortunately in the moment duels, because they provoked this type of game.”
Exchanged words with Bruno Guimaraes at final whistle? “I had said how good he is and the situation with Gigio what happened. But everything is fine.”
“Newcastle is a top side, top players, top manager so no doubt about that. Unfortunately we could not keep momentum that we had before the international break. They made the pressing tough but I would say the best moments we had were in the second half and then we conceded a goal.”
What was the difference? “Both keepers were good, especially Gigio. We missed chances for margins and Pope was good, too. I think in the beginning we had more situations, more passes, more close, and our process was better.”
Were you upset with contact on Donnarumma on Newcastle winner? “It happened against Bournemouth and happened today again. VAR decide what they decide. They’re not perfect.”
Ruben Dias reaction — Believes Donnarumma fouled on Newcastle winner
Thoughts on the game? “It was difficult in all ways for both teams. It was a very intense game. I feel like we had loads of chances and in the end we didn’t score. We have to do better. And they scored on their two chances. We have to be better.”
“You come away to Newcastle. Everyone knows how strong they are at home. It’s also the first game after an international break. It’s always difficult.”
Why is the international break so tricky? “It’s always a period of adaptation both sides so obviously we already know it’s part of our schedule and we simply have to do better.”
Upset with any of the calls? “Out of all the decisions, only the second goal we need to make it sense. Where’s the sense in their player pushing our player outside the goal. It’s like sometimes you allow it and sometimes you don’t. Gigio was pushed out. I had a chance to see the review now and I think it’s a foul. He’s pushing him away from the goal. If this is the rule, fine, let us do the same.”
“Back in the day it’s a foul and now it’s allowed. It’s not like I’m finding excuses. Today Newcastle were better. They were able to finish more chances than us. All I’m saying is in terms of the rule.”
