Toon made it tough for us, says Pep

PEP Guardiola denied his side underestimated the Magpies in the 2-2 draw on Tyneside.

Instead, Guardiola paid tribute to the way Newcastle defended and made life difficult for his team as they fell 11 points behind Liverpool on what could be a decisive weekend.

Guardiola’s side conceded two equalisers at St James’ Park but he was philosophical afterwards.

Guardiola said: “Shelvey put it in the corner, so congratulations to them.

“We played at a good level but it was not easy because they defended deep.

“We scored two goals but we also let two in, which is disappointing.

“With substitutions sometimes players forget positions.

“We found a way to get through but unfortunately at the end we conceded a goal.

“There are teams who defend deeper like this, it happens all season.

“We do the same work we have done over the last few seasons.

“We tried to score more goals but it did not happen.”

Guardiola (pictured) was inevitably asked about his side’s title chances.

He replied: “I said yesterday at the press conference it is not a good idea to think about the Premier League or think about how many points we will need.

“We have to win games, win games, win games, and when you don’t win it will be more difficult.” ■■FORMER Premier League winner Joe Cole is excited for Newcastle United’s future as he talked up the potential of the Magpies’ front three.

The trio impressed during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with champions Manchester City, Almiron finally registering his first assist – and Cole was impressed with their intensity.

He said: “I think there is a lot of growth in this team. The defence is settled, so you have that base.

“The front three, with a bit of work on the training pitch, improvements can be made.

“I would not be surprised to see this team finish comfortably in mid-table this season.”