Newcastle United set Man City challenge as Ruben Dias lashes out at Southampton

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says that Manchester City are still the club that the Magpies must try to emulate moving forward.

Despite the Citizens suffering something of a slump by their own high standards, Howe expects Pep Guardiola's side to be back next term. Even this season, deemed a failure by some, could see City win the FA Cup, land a Champions League spot and lift the FIFA World Club Championships.

As Newcastle attempt to leapfrog Man City today, Howe said: "Manchester City historically have been unbelievable at it they've been in every major competition to the end and they've still manage to win Premier League after Premier League, so they've been the standard-bearers in that respect.

"It's a real challenge. I don't know if 'impossible' is the word, but it is tough when you're in various competitions.

"You add the domestic cup competitions in, that's an interesting dynamic, so say we were in Europe and we had the Carabao Cup run, would we have been able to sustain things? I don't know the answer to that question.

"Of course we would try our best to, but I think every added competition becomes a stretch and I think the teams that adapt to that best."

Meanwhile, Man City star Ruben Dias has lashed out at Southampton after the Saints held Guardiola's team to a 0-0 draw. Dias said: "In a moment like this every point matters. And it is frustrating to play against a team like this.

"They don’t even try anything, they just sit and they don’t even want to win the game. They just want to be there. It is no good for the show and no good for themselves. It is no good for anyone but it is what it is."