Newcastle United 'will be a threat for the title' in coming years - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has backed Newcastle United to challenge for the Premier League title in ‘the next few years’ after his Manchester City side overcame the Magpies 2-0 at the Etihad. Goals from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva either side of the break closed the gap to leaders Arsenal to two points ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Bournemouth later on Saturday, while putting a dent in Newcastle’s top-four hopes.

Ad But Guardiola was impressed by Eddie Howe’s side and believes they will soon be competing at the top. Premier LeagueHaaland not to blame for City failings says Guardiola24/02/2023 AT 18:24 «The game started and they were better, we struggled to build up,” Guardiola told BT Sport.

“We made some changes during the first half and after the brilliant action from Phil, we had the game in our hands, we didn't suffer. »The first minutes of the second half were good but then we lost the game and Bernardo helped us to come back.

“Their threat is not a surprise, there is a reason why they were in the Carabao Cup final and for a lot of minutes they were better than (Manchester) United. Confident Ferdinand laughs off nerves ahead of Man Utd's trip to Liverpool Ten Hag and Klopp call for Man Utd and Liverpool fans to end tragedy chanting «This team and this club in the next few years will be a threat for the title.» City face a tough challenge from Arsenal in their bid to defend the league title this year, with the north London club going into the weekend five points clear on top.

Guardiola is also keeping a wary eye on neighbours Manchester United, who have been in fine form recently and sit nine points behind City ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Sunday. Asked about the title race, Guardiola said: “Before the game it was