PEP GUARDIOLA talked up the Newcastle importance of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton after the Brazilian duo helped the Magpies dump Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
It was the introduction of Bruno, alongside Anthony Gordon, at half-time that turned the game in Newcastle's favour after a difficult first half and it was Joelinton who laid on the winning goal for Alexander Isak.
"First, congratulations to Newcastle," said Guardiola in his post-match press conference.
"Bruno's impact was important, Joelinton as always was important.
"Newcastle are a top side, defensively they're so strong, they work really well in all departments."
Guardiola was delighted with his side's first half display, with City dominant before the break. But Newcastle unsettled the treble winners in the second half, to the frustration of the visiting boss, who was booked.
He said: "We were brilliant first half. I think Newcastle couldn’t accept [our first-half dominance], they increased the rhythm and aggression and kicking and they were there, more aggressive.
"We struggled a little, but that’s normal. I said at half-time the second half will not be like the first.
“I said to be there in the bad moments and we were there. At the end, we could not win. Congratulations to Newcastle.”
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Asked what caused his frustrations that led to a booking, Guardiola said: "I don't know how many fouls they did and how many we did but we had double yellow cards. It is what it is, sometimes emotions are there, respects to the referees and their jobs."
City had Erling Haaland on the bench but Guardiola resisted any temptation to turn to his star striker as his side chased an equaliser. The Norwegian, said Guardiola, needed a rest.
The defeat at St James' Park means City are unable to build on last season's treble success with what have been an unprecedented quadruple but Guardiola insists that was never in his mind.
He said: "You think the target was to win the quadruple? Honestly, it was not. We were more than satisfied to win the treble. Our expectations are high but not that high."
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