Pep Guardiola has followed Jurgen Klopp in heaping praise on Allan Saint-Maximin after Manchester City's Premier League draw at Newcastle.
The reigning Premier League champions took an early lead at St James' Park through Ilkay Gundogan, only for Saint-Meximin to help turn things back in the hosts' favour. The former Nice star set up goals for Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson, and was brought down for a free-kick which Kieran Trippier sent into the top corner of City's net.
Guardiola's side escaped with a point, with Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva clawing them level, before a Trippier red card was downgraded to yellow following a VAR check. Saint-Maximin was the star of the show, though, and the comments from the opposition manager reflected as much.
"Allan Saint-Maximin is really dangerous," Guardiola told BBC Sport after the match. It echoes comments from Klopp back in the 2020-21 season, when the German described the 25-year-old as "a proper footballer".
Saint-Maximin hasn't always been a direct goal threat, scoring just 11 times in more than 80 league games. City had no answer for him on Sunday, though, and John Stones went into the book for the foul which set up Trippier's goal.
The result means City will not end the weekend atop the Premier League table, with Arsenal at the summit after comfortably beating Bournemouth. Newcastle, meanwhile, are in sixth place after a win and two draws from their opening three games.
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Guardiola also praised the atmosphere in the north east, while emphasising the depth of quality in the Premier League. Earlier in the day, Leeds United had beaten Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road and they - like City - sit on seven points.
"Newcastle are becoming one of the toughest opponents for sure," said Guardiola. It marks a stark difference to the end of last season, when the Catalan coach led his team to a 5-0 win at home to the same opponents.
"Leeds beat Chelsea today. The Premier League is so difficult for everyone," he added in post-match comments to Sky Sports.
"It shows how amazing we’ve done for five years and how difficult it will be. To see the team fight to the end is enough."
Crystal Palace are Manchester City's next Premier League opponents, and Guardiola will want his team to improve on last season's performances against the Eagles. Patrick Vieira's side were one of just two visiting teams to win at the Etihad Stadium last term, while the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park ended goalless.
