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Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City “showed who we are” after they clawed back a two-goal deficit in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Newcastle United.
The Premier League champions looked set for a first loss of the new top-flight campaign after Ilkay Gundogan’s opener had been cancelled out by goals for Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier at St James’ Park.
But a rapid-fire one-two punch from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva saw the visitors fight back to earn a share of the spoils in one of the most gripping encounters of the season so far.
Fragments of City’s remarkable title-winning final day rise from the canvas against Aston Villa last term were readily apparent on Tyneside as Guardiola’s side fought their way to a draw.
That delighted the Spaniard, who marvelled at both the match and the result after the full-time whistle, paying tribute to his side’s resolve.
“The team showed who we are,” he told BBC Sport. “[It was a] proper football game. We started really well, [then] we lost some duels. Once the game was open, they were better.
“We should [have] taken more time in the final third. [But] that atmosphere after the game – that is what football is all about.
Despite their own unbeaten start to the new season, Newcastle had been written off pre-match as challengers to City, and after conceding inside five minutes to Gundogan’s finish, looked poised to fold.
But Eddie Howe’s Magpies proved to be the most resilient foe City has faced in the top-flight this season, and Guardiola was quick to offer them praise too, while weighing in on the increased competition of the Premier League.
“We could have not won today,” he told Sky Sports. “Newcastle are becoming one of the toughest opponents, for sure. To see the team fight to the end is enough.
“Leeds beat Chelsea today [too]. The Premier League is so difficult for everyone. It shows how amazing [we have been] for five years, and how difficult it will be.”
