Manchester City may have suffered an early exit from the EFL Cup, but boss Pep Guardiola was “comfortable” with his side’s performance at Newcastle.
The hosts had to defend for long periods, particularly in a first half dominated by City, before striker Alexander Isak netted the only goal in the 53rd minute to send Newcastle through.
Guardiola, however, was full of praise for his side despite venting his frustration at the officials at the full-time whistle.
He said: “We played an incredible game. It was a tight game and the players who played, played really good. It is football. Congratulations to Newcastle.”
On what was no doubt a long coach journey home for the City boss, who had made his feelings very clear about his side not being able to fly to Newcastle, there were still a few positives to take away from the match.
“I leave comfortable with how we played, no injuries, and minutes for Mateo [Kovacic] and Jack [Grealish].”
For Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, the result meant that he finally secured his first victory over Guardiola, and he applauded his side’s efforts and belief to win the tie.
He said: “Second half, we were excellent in most aspects, defensive and offensively. We attacked well and probably deserved to win.
“There were tactical changes, but the biggest thing was belief.”
The fourth-round draw took place after the match, which saw the Magpies handed another difficult tie and a rematch of last year’s final as they head to Old Trafford to play Manchester United.
