COMING UP...
already dropped 13 points this season, and Liverpool just two. But candid Walker admitted City are “only human” and said: “The opposition are probably working us out a bit.
“Or the opposition are getting better. We are still the same squad. We have changed very little. We are still adapting a professional mentality around the place. We have to take our hats off to Liverpool.
“They have been fantastic and credit where it is due. They deserve to be top, but it is not over until it is over.
“We have the ability in the dressing room to go and catch anyone on our day. We have to take it game by game and keep chalking them off, getting three points, and moving on to the next one.”
Goals from Raheem Sterling and a belter from Kevin De Bruyne looked to have given City the win, but Jonjo Shelvey nabbed a point for Toon in the 88th minute, despite the home side having just 23 per cent of possession. Jetro Willems was also on target for Newcastle.
Walker (right) said: “Will it take a run of 14 straight wins again? That is what it will take. That’s a fact.
“The points gap is getting bigger. We know we have the ability in the squad to go and do what we have done two seasons running. It is a good test for us. In my first season here it was personally good to finally lift the title having played in the league so long.
“The second season, last season, was a lot sweeter because we had to work for it. It showed the character and belief we have. Not just the players, but the coaching staff as well.” Walker made a passionate speech to his team-mates after the draw at St James’ Park and said: “I have just said in there, ‘I look at you guys, you are my family’. I see the lads more than I see my own kids. We are going to experience ups and downs throughout our playing careers together here. Fortunately, up to now, it has been plain sailing.
“We are only human. We don’t go on to the pitch expecting to draw or lose, but there are going to be mistakes in games.
“Now I feel we have got to pull together as a squad and get the belief going again and make sure we do go on a run to put some pressure on the people above us.”
So what was the message from boss Pep Guardiola?
Walker added: “It is never going to be pleasant when you drop points but he believes in us.
“I have never seen a manager show so much belief and confidence in a team like he does.”
KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Referee Chris Kavanagh Attendance 49,937
NEWCASTLE
Thurs Sheff United (away) .... PL Sun Southampton (home)..PL Dec 14 Burnley (away) ............ PL MAN CITY
Tom Burnley (away) ............ PL Sun Man Utd (home) .......... PL Dec 11 D Zagreb (away) .......... CL
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