Eddie Howe has labelled Manchester City the “best team they've faced” this season after his Newcastle side suffered a fourth defeat to Pep Guardiola's men in the current campaign. City secured a 3-1 comeback win in the FA Cup at St James' Park, having already beaten the Magpies twice in the Carabao Cup semi-final and once in the Premier League.
Howe, whose team have also faced Arsenal this term, was particularly impressed by City's strength in depth and their ability to control games. “I think you see the strength in depth that they have and they possess,” he said. “I thought they were excellent and we fell away in the game.”
The Newcastle boss highlighted City's trademark possession-based style as a key factor in their dominance. “They keep the ball so well, they make you run, they make you chase, then you're tired and you make another technical mistake and you're chasing again. That's why, for me, they've been the best team that we've continually faced.”
Howe also noted that City are evolving into a new version of themselves but remain highly effective. “I think they're coming back into the type of form that makes them that team again,” he added. “They're evolving into a different version of what they've been before but very, very effective.”
Despite a midweek draw with Nottingham Forest, City remain in pursuit of Arsenal in the Premier League title race, with a game in hand. The two sides could also meet in the next round of the FA Cup and face off in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
