As Manchester City kick off the Premier League weekend by hosting Newcastle United at home, Pep Guardiola has said that they are the best team when it comes to transition situations and set-pieces.
It seems like the Catalan boss is certainly speaking from his very own experience as Eddie Howe’s side caused them a world of problems on the counter-attack in the 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park this season. The ‘brilliant’ Allan Saint Maximin in particular gave Kyle Walker a nightmare throughout the contest.
And now Pep Guardiola has said that Newcastle are the best team in the Premier League in such situations.
Pep Guardiola calls Newcastle the best team in the Premier League at 2 aspects
Jamie Carragher paid a similar compliment to the Magpies after their 0-0 draw against Arsenal, lauding them as the most ‘organised team in the league.’
As Manchester City prepare to face Newcastle on Satuurday, Pep Guardiola told Manchester Evening News journalist Jack Flintham that they are the best team in the Premier League in transition situations and in terms of both defending and attacking set-pieces when he was quizzed about Eddie Howe.
“Incredible. It happened last season and this season, they are taking a step forward, so it looks like they have come to stay. What I have seen lately is what they have done all season.”
“It is one of the toughest opponents we have until the end of the season for the quality, they do everything brilliant. The threats, transitions, set pieces, best team in the league, many, many things that is why they are there for a long, long time this season.”
It’s hard to really argue with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as Newcastle make life hell for opponents in such situations to the extent that they may well be the best team in the Premier League when it comes to these aspects.
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