Bounding down the steps to leave St James’ Park, Pep Guardiola cheerily blew kisses in acknowledgement of the Newcastle United fans affording him a warm reception. About 40 minutes earlier, looking up at the Milburn Stand on full time, he’d worn a thin smile as the home ends celebrated a draw.
At the start of the season, Newcastle (A) will have had a mark alongside it for Guardiola. A mark denoting potential lost points in a stadium that can swallow opposition whole. A draw on Day One without Rodri appeared fine for him; even with the Spaniard they’ve struggled here in the past.