Manchester City were an unbelievable team when our Newcastle side beat them in January — and they still are.



As a club, they have a clear idea about what they want to do. They have the money to achieve it and a manager in Pep Guardiola whose philosophy is the same; they work together. Are their transfer targets expensive sometimes? Yes, but they look for the best players for their team, rather than simply the best players in the world. There is a difference.



That game at St James’ Park eight months ago was the last time City have lost in the Premier League, which illustrates just how good they are. There is no single way to play against them or to beat them — if there was, everybody would do it! — and there are too many variables to explain in a column, but the key for us was to have a clear game plan and for everybody to understand it and to agree with it.



The real challenge you face against City is not just how skilful they are. It...