Manchester City went back to basics against Newcastle and it helped them pick up a crucial victory | OneFootball

Speaking before Manchester City’s 4-nil win over Newcastle United yesterday, Pep Guardiola bemoaned the fact that his team had lost the ability to maintain possession. This, coupled with a host of other factors, has seen Manchester City suffer at times this season. But yesterday, against a quality Newcastle side, the world champions went back to basics. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession at the Etihad and it formed the foundation of their crucial victory.

It was clear in the early stages of yesterday’s match that there was calmness in possession across the Manchester City players. Nico, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan offered a sense of calm in midfield. City’s defenders followed suit as Rico Lewis, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol were also good on the ball. As was Ederson. That solid foundation did set the stage for Pep Guardiola’s side. A 14-minute hat trick from Omar Marmoush came after City’s bright start to the game. But everything came off of the back of City’s ability to keep possession.

Manchester City’s ability on the ball did stand out in the second half. Newcastle had to make a move after halftime facing a 3-nil deficit. Eddie Howe’s side did try to get back into the game, but besides a Lewis Miley strike, which was comfortably saved by Ederson, the world champions nullified the Newcastle threat. It was City’s ability to keep the ball that helped achieve this. Possession is the backbone of Pep Guardiola’s side and they rediscovered this at the Etihad against a quality opponent.

Pep Guardiola was thrilled to see his team rediscover their identity.

Speaking after his team’s dominant win Pep Guardiola spoke of the fact that his team remembered their strengths. He told the media: “The way we played, we remembered what we were and what we have not been this season. We always try, but sometimes we cannot do it. I am really pleased with the pace and intensity we had up front, Nico [Gonzalez] and [Abdukodir] Khusanov were extraordinary. We need to win these games to qualify for the Champions League. We have to make this kind of performance to send our people home happy.”

Manchester City went back to basics yesterday. Their possession game returned and it formed the foundation of their impressive win over Newcastle United at the Etihad yesterday. The hope is that it can remain especially with Real Madrid and Liverpool on the horizon for Pep Guardiola’s side.