NO ONE can knock Man City off their perch while Pep is in charge, claims Sutton

Chris Sutton has claimed no club can threaten Man City's dominance of English football while Pep Guardiola is in charge - and questioned how Newcastle can progress to the top despite being the world's richest club.

Since Guardiola took over at the Etihad in 2016, City have won the Premier League on five occasions, including for the past three years, while the Spaniard also guided them to a historic Treble last season.

They look well-primed to make it four in a row, although they face fierce competition from Arsenal and Liverpool in a pulsating three-way title race.

Meanwhile, after a stunning campaign last year that saw Newcastle qualify for the Champions League, the Magpies have struggled this time around and currently sit eighth after crashing out of Europe's elite club competition in the group stage.

And, speaking on Mail Sport's It's All Kicking Off podcast, former Premier League winner Sutton discussed whether Newcastle can reach the summit of English football with their vast backing alongside co-host Dom King.

'Well, while Pep is at Manchester City, it's going to be difficult for anybody to knock them off their perch,' he said.

'Newcastle have these great ambitions, hence why there was a change of ownership. But it's how to make that next step.

'I think we did see massive signs of improvement under Eddie Howe and they have spent a lot of money, but he actually improved the squad which he inherited and got the best out of that group of players.

'But it is actually making that next step. And I'm not so sure Newcastle United actually know what the next step is, especially with Dan Ashworth leaving right now.'

Since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund took control from the hugely unpopular Mike Ashley in October 2021,