Guardiola Cautious as Man City Faces Newcastle’s Late Goal Threat

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed a preference for a single-leg format in the League Cup semi-final against Newcastle United, citing the latter’s remarkable tendency to score late goals. This matchup is particularly notable as City prepares for the first leg on January 16, 2024.

Newcastle’s recent performances highlight their capability to secure victories in the dying moments of matches. In a recent FA Cup clash against Bournemouth, Anthony Gordon netted a penalty in added time, leading to a tense penalty shootout, which Newcastle ultimately won. Additionally, the team demonstrated its resilience by clinching a thrilling 4-3 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League, with two goals coming during stoppage time. Earlier in the season, Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes scored in the 70th minute to secure a 2-1 win against Manchester City.

Guardiola acknowledged the challenge posed by Newcastle’s late-game prowess. “Since Eddie Howe took over, look how many games they have won in the last minutes,” he remarked to reporters, noting the significant impact of the crowd’s energy at St. James’ Park. The City manager emphasized his desire for a single-leg tie, which could limit Newcastle’s opportunities to capitalize on their late-game effectiveness.

As Manchester City currently sits second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Arsenal, Guardiola is also mindful of player health ahead of the cup clash. He mentioned that Rayan Ait-Nouri, who recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, may not be at full fitness as he arrived later than expected. “We’ll see in the training sessions how he feels and don’t want to take risks of players getting injured again,” Guardiola added.

With both teams aiming for success in the League Cup, the upcoming match is poised to be a thrilling encounter. Guardiola’s cautious approach reflects the importance of managing player health while facing a formidable opponent known for their dramatic late goals. As the first leg approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a pivotal moment in the tournament.