Pep Guardiola says Manchester City were not at their best in Newcastle defeat

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City were not at their best in Newcastle defeat. Pep Guardiola acknowledged Manchester City were below their best as they were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle, but said his side did not underestimate their opponents. Looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to one point, City made the perfect start at St James' Park as Sergio Aguero scored after 24 seconds. However, Newcastle replied with two second-half goals to dent City's title ambitions. "It was not our best night," said Guardiola. "We were not at our best, sometimes that happens, I can understand the players. "We didn't play like normal, it happens sometimes, unfortunately we couldn't win." Asked whether City had underestimated Newcastle, Guardiola said: "Never. When you are in four competitions it is because you don't underestimate one competition or one team. When you get 100 points it is because you don't underestimate one team. If you do you are not in the final of the Carabao Cup. "Sometimes we don't play the level we want to play, it happens… It's everybody, it's not just one player. We could not win, because we were not at our best, that's all." Liverpool have the chance to move seven points clear of City when they face Leicester on Wednesday. Reflecting on City's title chances, Guardiola said: "We are in January with a lot of time but of course when you are behind the leader you can't drop points because it helps them. We have a lot of titles and games still to play. "I love these players. I know how they feel right now and I am beside them, close to them. It's an incredible group. Sometimes it happens." Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win £250K.