Everything that needed to be shown by Manchester City was on display against Newcastle
· Yahoo Sports
Manchester City had to fight and claw their way to three points against Newcastle United last night at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side picked up a precious 2-1 win over Eddie Howe’s side, who came to the Etihad with a defined game plan and more than matched City throughout last night’s match. City had to fight, dig deep, and scrap their way to victory last night. In the process, Pep Guardiola’s side showed they are more than capable of winning and fighting all the way for this season’s Premier League title. That’s exactly what you wanted to see from this City side last night as they last night moved to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
This Manchester City side now has the ability to grind out victories when they are required.
The ability to grind out wins is a crucial element in a title race, and it is vital to the eventual Premier League champions. Pep Guardiola’s previous Manchester City sides have had that ability. It formed the backbone of their dominance alongside their possession-based football and impeccable work rate. It takes strong character and determination to be able to grind out wins when the opponent is playing well and the team isn’t at their best. Pep Guardiola’s side showed this in spades last night against Newcastle.
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As the second half of last night’s match unfolded, Newcastle grew into the game. The nerves, tension, and pressure of putting pressure on Arsenal with a victory were clear to see on the City players. Manchester City weren’t at their best in the second half as Newcastle pushed for an equalizer. But City would not wilt, bend, or break. Each player on the pitch did what they needed to do to ensure that City picked up a massive three points. It was a superb team effort, and the application, character, and will of this iteration of Pep Guardiola’s side shone through.
Heading into last night’s match, you wanted to see if City could live in the moment in front of them. Come the final whistle, the answer was a resounding yes, that they could. Manchester City’s win last night was massive, but how they won and the fight they showed could be huge as this season’s title race heats up.
Last night’s win, much like Manchester City’s win at Anfield, is something this City side has to live.
Manchester City did what was required last night. They fought and held off Newcastle with the grit and determination that is necessary to prevail in a Premier League title race. Much like Manchester City’s recent win over Liverpool at Anfield, last night was an experience that this City side has to live. City have players who have been down this road before, but the majority of Pep Guardiola’s squad haven’t been down this road before as City players. Last night’s win, like their recent win over Liverpool, will build belief and confidence amongst this City squad. Whether or not that pays dividends in this season’s title race remains to be seen. But what Pep Guardiola is building at City is clear to see through the fight his players display.
Speaking after his team’s win over Newcastle, in quotes relayed by Hayters TV, Pep Guardiola said that matches like last night’s are a situation that his team has to live. He explained: “We have a lot of new players, that’s why they have to live it. I’ve said, forget about it. We have to improve, it’s not enough. To compete to win the Premier League you have to be there.We proved ourselves to win the three points but we have to do better to have the chance to do it.”
“I say to the guys, ‘take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days, enjoy life’. And after that, make a proper three training sessions and go to Leeds. That is a proper way. I know how difficult it will be. If it doesn’t go well, we keep going, never give up.”
Final thoughts.
This Manchester City team showed that they are more than up for the fight in this season’s title race. They weren’t at their best against Newcastle United last night at the Etihad. While City were below their best, the players sacrificed for the cause, fought for each other, and they all did what was necessary to ensure that they picked up a massive three points last night. Manchester City’s win over Newcastle moves Pep Guardiola’s side within two points of Arsenal, but it may be worth so much more than that given the experience that this City side will gain from a win in trying circumstances.