Newcastle boss Howe insists Manchester City still the ‘benchmark’ despite struggles

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes Manchester City are still the “benchmark” to aim for despite their struggles this season.

Having won the previous four Premier League titles among countless other trophies, Pep Guardiola’s side have dipped below their usual standards this season and currently found themselves in fifth, level on points with Saturday’s opponents Newcastle.

Their uncharacteristically poor campaign suffered another hit on Tuesday when they capitulated late on to lose against Real Madrid at home which leaves their Champions League campaign in serious doubt.

But rather than judge the Citizens alone, Howe is much more concerned with the broader picture and believes they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad, the Toon boss said: “I don’t think you necessarily look at it over that period of time. I think you have to look at it over a much longer period of time.

“I think they’ve been sensational, and so consistent, for so many seasons, which is so difficult to do at this level because of the standard of the teams. I think that’s what we’ve seen really, the standards of the Premier League, congesting in its force, really.

“Every team is very difficult to play against. We’ve found out recently in a couple of home games, if you drop by 1%, you can get beaten. Every game is very difficult, nothing’s given to you.

“I think it’s been great for the Premier League because you never know what what’s gonna happen when you go to a stadium now, any stadium.

“And I think it’s producing a really entertaining Premier League this year, but Manchester City are still a very, very good team, I think statistically at home they’ve still been very strong.

“So for me they’re still the benchmark and we have to try and produce our best performance to try and get something for this match.”

Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of tomorrow’s trip to face Manchester City 🗣️

You can watch the boss’ press conference as live on the Official Newcastle United App now 📲 pic.twitter.com/CYONu7LySk

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 14, 2025

Isak v Haaland

Saturday’s game sees two of the Premier League’s best strikers go head-to-head, with City boasting Erling Haaland in their ranks and Alexander Isak hoping to inspire Newcastle.

The duo have scored 19 and 17 goals respectively in the Premier League this season and Howe believs getting the most of out of his Swedish striker is key to securing victory at the Etihad.

He said: “You look at Haaland’s consistency over a long period of time, there’s no doubt in that and Alex is certainly doing the same. Since he’s come to this club, I think he’s been been absolutely sensational for us.

“So we’re looking to try and get him in the game as much as we can and I always say the same thing, we need to provide the foundation for him to perform at his best levels.

“Alex has to perform as well, but you know, in these types of games, he’s maybe not gonna get the loads of chances but we need to try and get him in the right areas and try and get him the ball in the key areas.”

Newcastle team news: Gordon and Burn should feature, Botman progressing

Howe offered an update on the fitness of Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn and Sven Botman.

“Anthony [Gordon] should be fine, he has trained this week, no problems,” the Magpies boss added. “It was a thigh problem, but he responded well to treatment over the weekend and has trained well.

“It’s good news on [Sven Botman] scan, we don’t think there’s any long-term issue there. Short term there’s still a bit of pain for him, we think he will miss this weekend. Hopefully won’t be far away for the following games.

“The initial look on Dan [Burn] wasn’t positive but, he had a scan which was good, he has improved a lot very quickly, so he could be close this weekend.”