Pep Guardiola has argued Manchester City’s 3-2 comeback win against Newcastle United on Saturday evening is evidence his side are “alive” in the title race.

City found themselves 2-1 down against Newcastle with 20 minutes remaining in the contest, though a Kevin De Bruyne-inspired cameo inspired the visitors to victory at St James’ Park.

It means the Sky Blues are back to within two points of Liverpool in the Premier League table and appear to have overcome their patchy form between November and early December, which saw the reigning champions go on a run of one win in five matches.

Guardiola’s men have now won eight of their last matches in all competitions and is confident his group of players have finally made clear to Arsenal and Liverpool they are going nowhere in the battle for top spot with Guardiola insisting “the team are alive”.

“I think everybody agrees we made a really good performance today, we played at St James’ Park against such a physical team in Newcastle,” said the Catalan coach on Saturday. “They made transitions, we conceded two goals when their keeper made two saves, like Liverpool. After, talent made the difference.

“But what would have been the opinion today if we did not win? It’s a business I know but as a manager what can I say about the performance? I said that to the players at half time: you are amazing and stick together and we will do it.

“It was the same against Spurs at home, and Crystal Palace, against Liverpool. In that moment, a big crisis because you judge results, not performances. The performances were brilliant. Today we were fortunate to win when in the past we were not. Saying that, I had the feeling we still want to do it. The way we behaved against Huddersfield – Huddersfield – the team is alive. Why should we not try it again? We won three times in a row, five in the last six, so why not?”

On the significance off continuing to match Liverpool’s results, he added: “It’s really important because Liverpool are flying over the last month and we have to go to Anfield so it’s better to be close to them. This is what I want, waiting on Manu [Akanji], John [Stones] and Erling [Haaland] to come back as soon as possible when the Champions League is coming and FA Cup is here to use everyone.”

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