Guardiola tells Man City to enjoy cocktails as win piles pressure on Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has told his Manchester City players to relax with cocktails after a 2-1 win over Newcastle United moved them within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The City boss was in high spirits following a tense victory at Etihad Stadium, instructing his squad to take three days off to “enjoy life” with “caipirinhas and daiquiris”.

Saturday’s result sends an ominous warning to the Gunners, who sit just two points clear at the summit following their midweek collapse against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Title momentum shifts to Manchester

Guardiola’s animated celebrations at the final whistle underlined the magnitude of the three points on a night of frayed nerves.

“The connection we had with our fans was the best of the season,” said the Catalan manager.

“We had the best vibes and we need those vibes between now and the end of the season.”

While the defending champions lacked their usual fluency, they displayed the steel required to overcome a stubborn Newcastle side.

Haaland and O’Reilly inspire victory

Nico O’Reilly proved the match-winner, scoring twice in a versatile display that will have caught the eye of England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Erling Haaland turned provider for the winning goal, producing a tireless performance defined by intense pressing rather than his usual finishing.

“He was man of the match,” Guardiola insisted.

“Without Erling it would not have been possible.”

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal must now respond in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, facing a Spurs side under new interim manager Igor Tudor.