Newcastle Shock Man City in Wild Night at St James’ Park

Newcastle Deliver Huge Blow to Man City in Thrilling Win

Newcastle entered this match sitting 15th in the Premier League, but they ended the night celebrating their biggest win of the season. Eddie Howe finally defeated Pep Guardiola in a league match at the 17th attempt as Newcastle beat Manchester City 2–1 in a chaotic and exciting game at St James’ Park.

Howe Outsmarts Guardiola at Last

Before this match, Howe had lost 14 and drawn two in 16 Premier League meetings with Guardiola. This time everything changed. Newcastle were organised, aggressive and dangerous in transition. Harvey Barnes scored both goals, and his finishing proved decisive.

Newcastle were excellent without the ball. Malick Thiaw produced a brilliant defensive performance, keeping Erling Haaland unusually quiet. City dominated the ball at times, but Newcastle’s structure stopped them from creating clear chances.

City Waste Chances and VAR Says No

City should have scored early when Haaland raced through on goal, but he failed to lift the ball over Nick Pope. VAR then turned down two penalty appeals from City — one for a challenge on Phil Foden and another for a supposed handball by Thiaw.

Despite some sharp moments from Foden and Rúben Dias, City lacked their usual precision in the final third. Pope made key stops, including a big save to deny Nick Woltemade at the other end.

Barnes Steps Up and Takes Over

With Anthony Gordon injured, Barnes started — and he made the most of it. He opened the scoring with a beautiful one-two with Bruno Guimarães before smashing a powerful shot past Donnarumma.

City equalised quickly through Dias after Newcastle failed to clear a corner, but the home side responded immediately. Guimarães hit the bar, and Barnes reacted fastest to volley in his second goal. VAR checked for offside but the goal stood.

Newcastle Find Their Moment

Newcastle defended the final minutes with a back five, showing calm and confidence. Howe said he hoped the performance could be a “turning point”, and it looked like one. For Guardiola, the defeat means City fall further behind in the title race, now four points off Arsenal.