Newcastle United halted Manchester City’s from going top of the table with a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park on Saturday. Winger Harvey Barnes was the hero for the hosts, scoring twice in a frantic seven-minute spell during the second half to secure Eddie Howe’s first league win over Pep Guardiola in 19 attempts. Allowing Newcastle to climb to 14th, distancing themselves from the relegation zone.
Following a goalless first half, with missed opportunities from both sides, the game ignited after the hour mark. Barnes broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, finishing a move involving Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães with a precise strike into the bottom corner.
City responded swiftly, equalizing five minutes later through Ruben Dias, whose shot took a deflection off Fabian Schär after Newcastle failed to clear a corner. However, parity was short-lived as Barnes restored the lead in the 70th minute, reacting quickest to stab home a rebound after Guimarães’ header struck the crossbar.
City’s frustrations were magnified by contentious officiating decisions. Pep Guardiola and his players felt aggrieved after a penalty appeal for a challenge on Phil Foden by Schär was waved away in the first half.
Additionally, Newcastle’s winning goal survived a lengthy VAR review for potential offside and a foul on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite the controversy, Guardiola refused to criticize the officials directly. “It is what it is after VAR decided. They know perfectly,” he told the press, adding that Newcastle deserved credit for seizing the momentum.
Erling Haaland endured a rare off day in front of goal as he chased his 100th Premier League strike. The Norwegian striker squandered a one-on-one opportunity in the first half, attempting a chip that drifted wide instead of rounding goalkeeper Nick Pope. He was largely nullified by Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw throughout the contest.
Newcastle, conversely, defended resolutely through eight minutes of stoppage time to preserve their lead, bouncing back from a heavy defeat to Brentford before the international break.
For Newcastle, the victory provided a much-needed morale boost ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture against Marseille. Barnes, reflecting on his contribution, hoped the result would be a turning point for the Magpies' season. "Hopefully after today’s result we can kick on and go on a good run," he said. The win marked a tactical triumph for Howe, whose side combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to overcome the defending champions.
