admin“He Was Destroying Us” Pep Guardiola Praises Newcastle Star but Questions Eddie Howe
Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City found it difficult to contain one particular Newcastle United attacker during their recent FA Cup clash, revealing the player even became a subject of discussion in City’s dressing room at halftime.
Although Manchester City eventually secured a 3–1 victory at St James’ Park, Guardiola’s post-match remarks centered on a moment he felt shifted the flow of the match — the substitution of a Newcastle winger who had been causing serious problems for his team. The City manager admitted he was surprised when Newcastle boss Eddie Howe took the player off shortly after the hour mark.
Newcastle Start Strong
The FA Cup encounter began with Newcastle playing with energy and confidence in front of their home supporters. The Magpies pressed aggressively from the start and looked eager to challenge the reigning champions.
Their bright opening paid off when Harvey Barnes put Newcastle ahead in the first half, finishing off a well-constructed attacking move. For much of the opening period, Newcastle appeared dangerous whenever they surged forward.
One player in particular stood out with his pace and direct approach, repeatedly driving at Manchester City’s defense and forcing the visitors to stay alert whenever Newcastle regained possession.
Guardiola Admits City Were Concerned
After the match, Guardiola acknowledged that the Newcastle attacker had been one of the biggest threats his team faced early in the game.
“He was probably the best Newcastle player on the pitch in that period. His composure and control caused us problems,” the City manager explained.
Guardiola also revealed that his influence was so noticeable that the City squad discussed how to handle him during the halftime break.
“We talked about him in our dressing room at halftime because he was doing very well,” he said.
According to Guardiola, much of Newcastle’s early attacking danger came from the winger’s pace and willingness to take on defenders directly.
City Turn the Game Around
Despite Newcastle’s strong start, Manchester City gradually grew into the match. Guardiola’s team began to dominate possession and eventually found their way back into the contest.
Brazilian winger Savinho equalized before halftime after reacting quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area.
That goal shifted the momentum in City’s favor. After the break, Guardiola’s side looked far more composed in possession.
Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush then delivered the decisive contribution, scoring early in the second half to give City the lead before later adding another goal that secured the 3–1 victory.
The Substitution That Caught Guardiola’s Eye
One of the most debated moments came in the 62nd minute when Eddie Howe made a tactical change. The Newcastle winger who had been troubling City was replaced by Joelinton.
The substitution immediately caught Guardiola’s attention.
“When he came off, the rhythm of their attack changed completely,” Guardiola admitted. “I was honestly surprised to see him substituted because he was doing very well.”
Guardiola suggested the change made it easier for City to manage the game, as Newcastle lost one of their most dangerous attacking outlets.
Elanga’s Impact
The player Guardiola was referring to was Swedish winger Anthony Elanga. Elanga had been one of Newcastle’s standout performers during the opening hour.
His pace on the flank helped stretch Manchester City’s defense, while his willingness to run directly at defenders created space for Newcastle’s attacks. Several of the home side’s most promising counterattacks originated from his movement and speed.
However, once Elanga was substituted, Newcastle seemed to lose some of the attacking momentum that had earlier unsettled Guardiola’s team.
Howe’s Tactical Adjustment
While Guardiola questioned the decision, Howe’s substitution likely reflected a tactical shift. With Manchester City beginning to dominate possession, bringing on Joelinton added more strength and defensive presence in midfield.
The Brazilian’s physicality can be crucial against a team known for controlling the ball for long periods. However, the adjustment also meant sacrificing the pace and direct attacking threat Elanga had been providing.
Newcastle’s Focus Moving Forward
The defeat ended Newcastle’s FA Cup run, forcing the club to shift its attention to the rest of the domestic season.
Even so, Elanga’s performance during the early stages of the match highlighted the attacking qualities he brings to Howe’s side.
His speed, energy, and willingness to challenge defenders make him a valuable weapon when Newcastle face elite opposition.
Guardiola’s comments after the match underlined just how influential the winger had been before his substitution — proof that Newcastle still possess players capable of troubling even the strongest teams in English football.
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