Yet it could have been so different.
Newcastle may have been feeling the effects of playing with 10 men for so long in a spirited midweek win against Manchester United.
But Newcastle started this fifth-round tie like a side who recognised that the FA Cup was not only their best chance of winning silverware this season.
It was also their most obvious route back into Europe at a time when Howe’s team lie in 12th place in the Premier League.
Newcastle quickly got the crowd into the game with their energy and intent.
Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford and defender Matheus Nunes uncharacteristically booted the ball out of play as the hosts pressed high.
Perhaps, most crucially, Newcastle grabbed the opening goal as Harvey Barnes fired his side in front with a fine curling effort.
It felt like a familiar script for Guardiola, who had previously seen Barnes score twice in a 2-1 win against his side at this very stadium back in November.
“The first 15, 20 minutes always happens,” he said. “We talk about that. We could not control.”
Just as the visitors rallied, though, Newcastle dropped deeper and deeper, and could not get out of their half.
The Magpies were pinned back by City, who dominated possession and repeatedly played their way through the hosts’ midfield.
“The way they play and how good they are technically, they took a stranglehold of the ball,” Howe said.
“When we got it back, we gave it away too easily, maybe looking too vertical and not horizontal enough at times.
“As soon as you make a technical mistake, you’re not seeing the ball for long periods and then your energy just drains away. That’s why they have been the best team for so long.”