Pep Guardiola has admitted that he was wary of Newcastle United's 'difficult long balls' to Joelinton and the pace of Allan Saint-Maximin despite Man City's 5-0 win against the Magpies on Sunday.
City moved back to the top of the table following a dominant display at the Etihad on Sunday as Raheem Sterling (two), Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and substitute Phil Foden put Newcastle to the sword. City had 71% possession, 21 shots and eight corners all told, but individual errors and sloppy defending from Newcastle gave the hosts a helping hand.
It is easy to forget now, but Newcastle actually had a glorious opportunity to take the lead in just the eighth minute after a decent start from the visitors. However, Chris Wood tamely headed the ball into Ederson's hands after getting on the end of Allan Saint-Maximin's teasing cross.
READ MORE: Newcastle careers will soon be ended and Bruno Guimaraes tells brutally honest Man City truth
It was a chance Newcastle simply had to take in a game like this and Raheem Sterling soon made Howe's side pay when he opened the scoring in the 19th minute before City went on to score a further four goals. Newcastle struggled to seriously test Ederson until substitute Callum Wilson was slipped in one on one late on, but the City 'keeper made the save.
It was a comfortable afternoon all told for Ederson, but Guardiola did not necessarily see it that way. Just eight days after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said the 'only plan' Newcastle had was 'long balls to our right side', where Joelinton caused the Reds problems in the opening stages, Guardiola made a similar observation.
"Of course, difficult long balls with both Joelinton and the pace they have, especially Saint-Maximin, but a perfect afternoon for me," the City boss told Sky Sports.
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
