Pep Guardiola's surprising verdict after Man City Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle United

Pep Guardiola felt his side put in an ‘incredible’ performance against Newcastle United despite losing 1-0.

Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the game as Newcastle progressed to the Carabao Cup fourth round.

Guardiola said: “We were brilliant first half. I think Newcastle couldn’t accept [our first-half dominance], they increased the rhythm and aggression and kicking and they were there, more aggressive.

“We struggled a little, but that’s normal. I said at half-time the second half will not be like the first. I don’t know how many fouls they did and how many we did, but we had double yellow cards. It is what it is.

“I said to be there in the bad moments and we were there. At the end, we could not win. Congratulations to Newcastle.”

“We played an incredible game,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “[Newcastle] increased after the break and were more aggressive. They scored a goal.

“Last season we were out against Southampton and not there but tonight we were. Congratulations to Newcastle.”