Guardiola relieved to get out of Toon with a point after Newcastle thriller

The Magpies announced themselves with a statement performance against the Premier League champions. 

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Man City boss Pep Guardiola shake hands ahead of the game. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.

It was an early contender for Premier League game of the season, a clash between two clubs backed by petro billions from the Middle East that reflect the constantly shifting sands of English football.

But when the dust had finally settled on a day of high drama at St James’, there was the unavoidable feeling that in years to come, this may be looked back upon as the day that the Saudi-funded Geordies announced they are ready to trade blows with the league’s elite.