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Manchester Today
By the People, for the People
Guardiola Tells Man City Players to Relax with Cocktails After Win
City manager celebrates victory over Newcastle by giving team 3 days off to "enjoy life" with drinks.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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After Manchester City's 2-1 win over Newcastle United, manager Pep Guardiola was so pleased with the performance that he told his players they could take three days off to "enjoy life" with "caipirinhas and daiquiris". The victory leaves City just two points behind league leaders Arsenal, cranking up the pressure on the Gunners ahead of their North London derby match against Tottenham. Guardiola praised the team's effort, singling out Erling Haaland's "man of the match" display, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for making a crucial late save to preserve the win.
Why it matters
This victory over Newcastle is a significant result in the Premier League title race, as Manchester City continue to chase down Arsenal at the top of the table. Guardiola's celebratory gesture of giving his players time off to relax with cocktails shows the confidence and momentum City have built, putting the pressure firmly on Arsenal ahead of their crucial match against Tottenham.
The details
Manchester City overcame a tough challenge from Newcastle United, winning 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. The victory was sealed by two goals from Nico O'Reilly, with Erling Haaland putting in a tireless shift that Guardiola described as "man of the match" worthy. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also made a crucial late save to preserve the three points for City. Guardiola was so pleased with the performance that he announced his players could have three days off to "enjoy life" with cocktails.
- The match was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
The players
Pep Guardiola
The manager of Manchester City, known for his success in leading the club to multiple Premier League titles.
Erling Haaland
The star striker for Manchester City, known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities.
Nico O'Reilly
A Manchester City player who scored two goals in the win over Newcastle.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The goalkeeper for Manchester City, known for making crucial saves to preserve victories.
Mikel Arteta
The manager of Arsenal, whose team is currently leading the Premier League table.
What they’re saying
“The connection we had with our fans was the best of the season. We had the best vibes and we need those vibes between now and the end of the season.”
— Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager (Yahoo Sports)
“He was man of the match. Without Erling it would not have been possible.”
— Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager (Yahoo Sports)
What’s next
Arsenal must now respond to the pressure from Manchester City when they face Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday.
The takeaway
Manchester City's victory over Newcastle, coupled with Guardiola's celebratory gesture of giving his players time off to relax, demonstrates the team's confidence and momentum as they continue to chase down Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
