Eddie Howe knows Newcastle United still have work to do to catch Manchester City but believes there is no longer a real gap between the teams.
Newcastle were beaten 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, a 14th consecutive Premier League defeat at a stadium where they have never won in the top flight.
But Howe s side – who drew 3-3 with City at home – had their chances, most notably through Callum Wilson and Joelinton, who both miscued in front of goal.
In the eyes of the Newcastle coach, it was a far cry from their visit last May, when City ran out 5-0 winners.
City also beat Newcastle 4-0 at St James Park less than a month into Howe s tenure in December 2021.
There are things for us to reflect on, minimal chances for them today, Howe said after goals from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva defeated his side.
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.
Thank you for your support at the Etihad this afternoon.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC)
The general performances have been very good [in defeats to Liverpool, Manchester United and City].
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.
