Newcastle boss Howe claims to be “benchmark” despite Manchester City still struggling
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe considers Manchester City to be still a “benchmark” despite the struggles this season.
Pep Guardiola’s team, which won four previous Premier League titles among countless other trophies, has now fallen below normal standards this season, with their fifth point now in their fifth point to Saturday’s opponent Newcastle. I’m falling into the point.
Their characteristically poor campaign suffered another hit on Tuesday.
But rather than judging only the citizens, Howe is far more interested in the wider painting, believing that they are still a force to be considered.
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Etihad, Toonboss said: I think we have to see it over a much longer period of time.
“I think they’re sensational and very consistent over so many seasons. This is very difficult to do at this level due to the team’s standards. That’s what we really see. I think that’s what Premier League standards make that power crowded.
“All teams are very difficult to play against. Recently, they were discovered in several home games. If you reduce by 1%, you can get beaten. All games are very difficult, and you Nothing is given to me.
“I think it’s great for the Premier League because when you go to the stadium, you don’t know what will happen when you go to the stadium.
“And while I think this year we are creating a really interesting Premier League, Manchester City is still a very good team, and I think it is still very strong at home, statistically.
“So for me they’re still a benchmark and we have to try our best performances to try and get something for this match.”
Eddie Howe will talk to the media before tomorrow’s trip to Manchester City 🗣️
You can watch the boss’ press conference live on the official Newcastle United app. pic.twitter.com/cyonu7lysk
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 14, 2025
Isak v Haaland
In Saturday’s match, two of the Premier League’s best strikers will head straight ahead, with the city proud of Ehringhaaland in the ranks, hoping that Alexander Isaac will inspire Newcastle.
The duo have scored 19 and 17 goals respectively in the Premier League this season, and Hau fans are key to ensuring their victory at Etihad.
He states: He’s here at this club, so I think he was absolutely sensational for us.
“So we try to get him to the game as much as we can and I always say the same thing, we need to provide the foundation for him to play at his highest level.
“Alex has to perform as well, but in these types of games he probably won’t get a lot of chances, but we’ll take him to the right area. You need to go and try him in an important area.”
Newcastle Team News: Gordon and Byrne feature, Botman should go on
Howe provided the latest information on fitness for Anthony Gordon, Dan Byrne and Sven Bottman.
“Anthony (Gordon) should be fine. He trained this week, and there’s no problem,” the Magpie boss added. “It was a thigh issue, but he responded well to treatment over the weekend and trained well.
“That’s good news about the (Sven Botman) scan. I don’t think there’s a long-term problem there. There’s still a bit of pain for him in the short term, we think he’ll miss this weekend. Well. If we go, we hope we won’t be far away in the next game.
“Dan (Burn)’s initial appearance wasn’t positive, but he had good scans.