Pep Guardiola was visibly furious after Manchester City’s 2–1 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park—a result that dented City’s Premier League title push and left tempers flaring on the touchline.
The night belonged to Harvey Barnes, whose brace sealed all three points for the hosts, with Ruben Dias briefly pulling City level. But the match was layered with controversy. City players and fans were incensed when Phil Foden appeared to be tripped by Fabian Schär in the box, only for the referee to wave play on. Questions also arose over Barnes’ second goal, as Gianluigi Donnarumma complained of a foul in the build-up and Bruno Guimarães looked suspiciously close to offside.
Frustration boiled over at full-time. Guardiola engaged in an animated confrontation with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães, with both men appearing visibly agitated. Moments later, the City boss also exchanged heated words with a cameraman who had moved too close for his liking.
When interviewed afterward, Guardiola downplayed the incident and kept his cards close to his chest.
“No questions, everything is fine,” he insisted. “I said how good he [Bruno] is, but that conversation is for private situations. Everything is fine.”
Despite City leading the Premier League scoring charts with 24 goals, Guardiola lamented his side’s lack of cutting edge. City dominated possession (68%) and registered 17 shots to Newcastle’s nine, but only managed four on target. Their xG of 1.88 underscored a wasteful display—and one that showed they cannot always depend on Erling Haaland, who has scored 14 league goals this season.
“Tight game. Entertaining game,” Guardiola said. “They had chances. We had chances. In the end, they scored one more goal.”
Reflecting on Haaland’s misses, he added: “Two or three chances that he always has because he is the best. And yeah, go to the next.”
