Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sat 23 May 2026 9:43, UK

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Eddie Howe and Newcastle United would have been delighted to hear Friday’s news that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer.

The Spaniard will take charge of his final game on Sunday after 10 years and six Premier League trophies for the Citizens.

Enzo Maresca is expected to take over from Guardiola this summer, after he left Chelsea by mutual consent in January.

Man City have given the Magpies plenty of trouble over the years, and this campaign has been a particularly damaging one for their record in the clash.

Newcastle have lost four games to Guardiola’s team this season, but did beat them in the Premier League at St James’ Park in a result that may well have cost them the league to Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola has bullied Eddie Howe over the years

Football Insider exclusively revealed this week that Man City players could quit the club this summer amid Guardiola’s departure, with the legendary manager’s exit to have massive ramifications.

The Spaniard has left a tremendous impact on the Premier League and could well have achieved a level of domination that will never be seen again.

Some managers and teams suffered at the hands of this domination more than others. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool went up against Guardiola’s Man City over the course of several seasons, winning the Premier League just once.

The same can be said of Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta finally getting one back over on his old colleague this season.

On a game-by-game basis, however, Howe has a good case to say that he will be happiest with the 55-year-old’s departure.

Incredibly, Guardiola has beaten the Englishman more than any other manager in his career, winning 19 of the 23 occasions the two have clashed.

Howe’s Bournemouth lost eight consecutive games to Man City, and his first win against Guardiola as a manager would not come until the 14th time they met, with that win coming in the Carabao Cup.

His first league victory over the legendary manager came this season, at the 17th attempt.

Newcastle among clubs to suffer against Guardiola

Even before Howe’s arrival, Newcastle were suffering against Guardiola’s Man City. In 24 games, they have beaten the Spaniard just three times.

They are not alone in that, however. No team has lost more games to the 55-year-old’s team than Arsenal, defeated 22 times in 35 matches.

Fulham may have a case to have had it even worse than that, playing 15 games against Guardiola’s Man City and losing every single one.

The footballing legend has left a lasting impression on the Premier League, and while the Citizens will remain a force, they will have a hugely difficult job replacing him.