Pep Guardiola Declines to Criticise Officials Following 2-1 Defeat to Newcastle

Pep Guardiola refuses to blame officials after Newcastle defeat

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, chose not to blame the officials for his team's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United, despite several contentious moments during the match. The game saw plenty of controversy, including a denied penalty claim for a challenge on Phil Foden and a lengthy VAR review for Newcastle's winning goal.

“It is what it is after VAR decided. They know perfectly...”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has refused to blame the officials for his team's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United, despite several contentious moments during the match. Guardiola and his staff were vocal in their demand for a penalty after Phil Foden was challenged in the first half, and Newcastle's winning goal underwent a lengthy VAR review before being allowed to stand.

The match itself was an intense and entertaining affair, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. Newcastle's Harvey Barnes scored twice, either side of a Ruben Dias equalizer for City, to secure a 2-1 win. Guardiola acknowledged the quality of the game, saying, “It was an entertaining game, we both had chances, and then there was a momentum shift, and ultimately we couldn't win.”

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, chose not to blame the officials for his team's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United, despite several contentious moments during the match. The game saw plenty of controversy, including a denied penalty claim for a challenge on Phil Foden and a lengthy VAR review for Newcastle's winning goal.

“It is what it is after VAR decided. They know perfectly,” Guardiola told the BBC, adding that he had “no questions” despite discussing the match with the referee after the final whistle.

Guardiola acknowledged Newcastle's strong performance, saying, “Newcastle is a top side, top players, top manager, so unfortunately tonight we could not make the momentum that we had.” The defeat leaves City third in the Premier League standings, four points behind leaders Arsenal.

The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. However, it was a seven-minute spell between the 63rd and 70th minutes that saw all the goals, courtesy of Harvey Barnes' brace and a Ruben Dias equalizer for Manchester City. “Both keepers were good and after we missed chances,” Pep Guardiola said, reflecting on the game. “It was an entertaining game with many chances, we were closer in the beginning.”

Defeat on the road.

⚫️ 2-1 🩵 @okx pic.twitter.com/PyrQG61Bsf

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 22, 2025

The defeat was a significant blow to City's title hopes, denying them the chance to close the gap on leaders Arsenal, who top the table with 26 points. City now sit third with 22 points, having played one game more.

“Newcastle is a top side, top players, top manager, so unfortunately tonight we could not make the momentum that we had,” Guardiola said.

“It was an entertaining game, we both had chances, and then there was a momentum shift, and ultimately we couldn't win.”

Harvey Barnes, Newcastle's goal-scorer, reflected on the significance of their 2-1 win over Manchester City, saying, “Hopefully after today's result we can kick on and go on a good run,” as the club looks to turn their season around after a slow start. Barnes' brace was instrumental in securing the win, making him Newcastle's top scorer this season with six goals.

The victory marked a significant milestone for Barnes, who became the first Newcastle player to score twice against Manchester City in a league match since Alan Shearer in 2003. Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, praised his team's performance, highlighting their determination and heart. The win lifts Newcastle to 14th place, with 15 points from 12 matches.