Fiery defeat at Toon leaves Pep furious as City's Quad dream is over

CITY won't add a Quadruple to their Treble.

- JOE BRAY

Pep Guardiola got a booking for arguing with Eddie Howe at St James' Park, and it was the Newcastle boss who saw his in-game changes come off rather than the City manager.

Howe revitalised his side at half-time and their strong start to the second half was enough to beat a much-changed Blues side.

Still, while City can't win the four major trophies they wanted this season, their chances of winning three again will be stronger for this stormy night in Newcastle. The Blues have a small squad this year, contrary to popular belief, and need every one of them to be ready when called upon this season.

With a number of key men unavailable or exhausted, Guardiola had promised a team full of academy players for this third round Carabao Cup tie.

But he can't help himself when it comes to this competition and named a stronger side than expected.

He said Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic would start on the bench, and there they were in the starting line up.

He went through with his promise to rest key men like Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland - but there was still more than enough experience in defence and firepower upfront to take on a confident Newcastle side.

Nobody could have predicted that Sergio Gomez would play on the right wing, continuing his return to his natural position, while, Josko Gvardiol got a first start at his preferred centre-back position.

Kalvin Phillips got a first start of the season all together. Nathan Ake, captain for the night in the absence of all five elected captains, was at left-back, popping up in midfield, left-wing and even as a false nine at one point.