Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes that Manchester City is still a “scale” that needs to be aimed in despite their fights this season.
After winning the previous four Premier League titles among countless other trophies, Pepa Guardiola’s side has entered below its usual standards this season and currently found themselves in fifth place, points with opponents on Saturday Newcastle.
Their atypically bad campaign suffered another hit on Tuesday, when they were lately capitulated to lose Real Madrid at home, leaving their champions League campaign in serious doubt.
But instead of judging only citizens, Howe is much more concerned with the wider picture and believes that they are still a force to be counted with.
On the eve of Saturday’s Premier League Conflict in Etihad, the Toon chief said, “I don’t think you look at it necessarily during this time period. I think you have to look at it in a much longer period of time.
“I think they were sensational and so consistent, for so many seasons, which is so difficult to do at this level because of the team standard. I think we really saw it, the Premier League standards, which they truly stifled in their force.
“Every team is very difficult to play. We recently learned in several home games, if you fall by 1%, you can win. Each game is very difficult, nothing is given to you.
“I think it was great for the Premier League, because you never know what happens when you go to the stadium now, any stadium.
“And I think this year they produce a truly fun Premier League, but Manchester City is still a very, very good team, I think they were still very strong at home at home.
“So, for me they are still a benchmark and we have to try and perform our best effect to try to get something for this match.”
Eddie Howe talks to the media on the eve of tomorrow’s trip to Manchester City 🗣️
You can view the press conference as live on Newcastle United Now 📲 pic.twitter.com/cyon7lysk
– Newcastle United (@nufc) February 14, 2025
Isaac v Haaland
Saturday’s game sees the two Best Premier League strikers go to the head, and City boasts Erling Hauland in their ranks, and Alexander Isak hoped to encourage Newcastle.
The duo scored 19 and 17 in the Premier League this season, respectively, and Howe believes that the maximum from his Swedish striker is crucial to securing a victory at Etihad.
He said, “You are watching Hauland’s consistency over a long period of time, there is no doubt about that and Alex is certainly doing the same. Since he came to this club, I think he was absolutely sensational for us.
“So, we ask us to try to introduce him as much as we can, and I always say the same, we have to give the foundation for him to perform at his best levels.
“Alex also has to perform, but you know, in these types of games, he may not get a bunch of chances, but we have to try to get it in the right areas and try to get the ball in key areas.”
Newcastle Team News: Gordon and Burn should appear, Botman progresses
Howe offered an update of Anthony Gordon’s fitness, Dana Burn -ai Sven Botman.
“Anthony [Gordon] It should be fine, he trained this week, without a problem, “Magpies’s head added.” It was a problem of thighs, but he responded well to treatment over the weekend and trained well.
“The good news of [Sven Botman] Scan, we don’t think there is no long -term problem there. The short term is still a bit of a pain for him, we think he will miss him this weekend. We hope it won’t be far for the next games.
“The initial view of the day [Burn] He was not positive, but he had a scan that was good, he improved very quickly, so he could be close to this weekend. “
