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.
