NICK POPE claims Newcastle United's spirited 1-1 draw with Manchester City was "a step in the right direction" in the wake of the previous weekend's disappointing defeat at Fulham.

Howe demanded a response when the reigning Premier League champions visited St James' Park yesterday, and his players delivered as they matched City blow for blow to claim a deserved point.

"It was a step in the right direction, definitely," said Pope. "We came together well, both on and off the ball, and worked really hard. We showed what a good team we are.

"We definitely needed a performance as we really let ourselves down last week. The next one always comes round quick in the Premier League, there's never an easy one, but obviously this was one of the toughest tests in the world. I thought that we came through and looked much improved from last week."

For all that Manchester City are having to find a way of managing without Rodri, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after damaging his ACL, Pep Guardiola's remain the standard bearers of the English game.

When Newcastle's Saudi Arabian ownership group took charge on Tyneside, there was talk of the Magpies eventually emulating City. That feels a long way off at the moment, although Pope insists it has to remain the long-term ambition.

"They (Man City) are top, and they'll be there for sure at the end of the season," he said. "You know that there will be a lot of different challenges when you play against them.

"Are we getting closer to them? I'd like to think so. We are building and come up against them every year and try to close the gap, that's what everybody is trying to do if I'm being honest."

Anthony Gordon scored Newcastle's equaliser from the penalty spot, having been brought down by Ederson as he raced on to Bruno Guimaraes' through ball.

Pope's fellow England international is on the verge of agreeing a new long-term contract on Tyneside, with his importance having been highlighted by the way in which he was able to slot in as the central striker yesterday in the absence of both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

"He's (Gordon) a top player for club and country," said Pope. "We love having him, he's a massive asset for us and a threat. He looked sharp today, and he'll be a big player for us this season."