Pep Guardiola singles out two Newcastle United players for praise

Steve Bruce’s team twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Premier League champions yesterday thanks to goals from Jetro Willems and Jonjo Shelvey.

Guardiola – whose side was beaten 2-1 on Tyneside last season – had described St James’s Park as a “mythical English stadium” before the game.

City’s manager mentioned United’s stand-in captain Shelvey and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in his post-match press conference.

“We played well, and Dubravka made good saves,” said Guardiola. “We arrived in front of the ball many times, unfortunately, we could not score.

“We should have avoided the free kick we conceded (for Newcastle’s equaliser). Shelvey made the difference. They had two shots on target – we conceded two goals.”

Guardiola added: "Last season, we played badly. We played poorer than today.”