Newcastle United ‘will be a threat for the title’ in coming years – Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

Goals from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva either side of the break closed the gap to leaders Arsenal to two points ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Bournemouth later on Saturday, while putting a dent in Newcastle’s top-four hopes.

But Guardiola was impressed by Eddie Howe’s side and believes they will soon be competing at the top.

“The game started and they were better, we struggled to build up,” Guardiola told BT Sport. “We made some changes during the first half and after the brilliant action from Phil, we had the game in our hands, we didn’t suffer.

“The first minutes of the second half were good but then we lost the game and Bernardo helped us to come back.

“Their threat is not a surprise, there is a reason why they were in the Carabao Cup final and for a lot of minutes they were better than (Manchester) United.

“This team and this club in the next few years will be a threat for the title.”

City face a tough challenge from Arsenal in their bid to defend the league title this year, with the north London club going into the weekend five points clear on top.

Guardiola is also keeping a wary eye on neighbours Manchester United, who have been in fine form recently and sit nine points behind City ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

Asked about the title race, Guardiola said: “Before the game it was ‘bye’, now it is ‘hello!’

“Lots of things are going to happen. It was an important, important game and then tomorrow I’m going to sit in front of the TV to watch what happens at Anfield.”

Newcastle’s defeat came on the back of a painful League Cup final loss to Manchester United last weekend and Howe’s side are now on a five-match winless run in all competitions.

The Magpies face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League, sitting four points behind fourth-place Tottenham, but Howe was encouraged by his side’s performance.

“I thought we were well in the game today. It was a similar performance to last week where we were good in the game, very dynamic in our play, aggressive, good with the ball, hurt them at times but couldn’t put that final piece together,” Howe told BT Sport.

He added: “Phil Foden is in good form. We were disappointed with the first goal, although you have to say he took it very well. There are things for us to reflect on, minimal chances for them today.

“I thought we kept them relatively quiet, they’re a world-class team so they’re always going to have chances, but I thought we minimised their threat.

“The general performances have been very good. When we came here last year, the result was difficult and you could see the real gap between the teams. I don’t think that’s been there this season.

“There is still growth for us to get closer to Manchester City.”