Newcastle United left the Etihad Stadium wondering what might have been this weekend but despite the loss in the North-West, it felt like a step in the right direction.
That Pep Guardiola started the day by heaping praise on Eddie Howe and Newcastle in his programme notes by describing the Magpies as "good to watch" and finished it by insisting the will be "a threat" in the title race shows how far Newcastle have come in a short space of time. Just 12 months ago they were hovering above the relegation zone but will now see the remainder of the season out in Champions League contention.
Guardiola said after his side won 2-0: "Their threat is not a surprise, there is a reason why they were in the Carabao Cup final and for a lot of minutes they were better than (Man) United. "This team and this club in the next few years will be a threat for the title."
