Eddie Howe's Newcastle United pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Premier League history as they derailed Manchester City's revival with a stunning 2-1 win at St James' Park.
For months, this was expected to be another demoralizing defeat for the Magpies, but instead, they dealt a potentially debilitating blow to City's title hopes. Harvey Barnes scored twice, including a thrilling volley in the 88th minute that sealed the victory, as Newcastle moved out of the relegation zone and into the top half of the table.
Newcastle's manager, Howe, has faced criticism for his team's recent slump, but he proved the doubters wrong with this watershed win. His team was better at defending than City were at attacking, with Erling Haaland malfunctioning in front of Malick Thiaw's marking and Harvey Barnes scoring twice to spoil the Norwegian's chances.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was gracious in defeat, admitting that his side had been outdone by Newcastle's high-level game. However, he also questioned the referee's decisions, claiming that two potential penalties were wrongly denied, and expressing frustration at being unable to capitalize on their dominance in the first half.
Despite Guardiola's protests, it is clear that City will miss Haaland, who spurned a golden opportunity to score early on. The Norwegian's robotic reliability in front of goal had vanished, and he was left to rue his missed chance.
For Newcastle, this win was a turning point in their season, as they finally showed some sign of life under Howe's management. The team's performance was built around the outstanding Bruno Guimarães, who single-out for a "private chat" with an admiring Guardiola at the final whistle. Guimarães played a key role in Newcastle's resurgence, and his partnership with Sandro Tonali looked more promising than ever.
In contrast, City struggled to find their rhythm after a series of missed chances. The visitors' usually slick passing game was frustrated by Newcastle's well-organized defense, which repeatedly cut off the channels that Foden and other City players relied on to create scoring opportunities.
The victory marked Howe's 17th top-tier win – he had finally beaten Guardiola – and gave him a much-needed boost in his battle to keep his job. It was also a testament to Barnes' growing importance for Newcastle, as he has developed into one of the team's key players.
For months, this was expected to be another demoralizing defeat for the Magpies, but instead, they dealt a potentially debilitating blow to City's title hopes. Harvey Barnes scored twice, including a thrilling volley in the 88th minute that sealed the victory, as Newcastle moved out of the relegation zone and into the top half of the table.
Newcastle's manager, Howe, has faced criticism for his team's recent slump, but he proved the doubters wrong with this watershed win. His team was better at defending than City were at attacking, with Erling Haaland malfunctioning in front of Malick Thiaw's marking and Harvey Barnes scoring twice to spoil the Norwegian's chances.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was gracious in defeat, admitting that his side had been outdone by Newcastle's high-level game. However, he also questioned the referee's decisions, claiming that two potential penalties were wrongly denied, and expressing frustration at being unable to capitalize on their dominance in the first half.
Despite Guardiola's protests, it is clear that City will miss Haaland, who spurned a golden opportunity to score early on. The Norwegian's robotic reliability in front of goal had vanished, and he was left to rue his missed chance.
For Newcastle, this win was a turning point in their season, as they finally showed some sign of life under Howe's management. The team's performance was built around the outstanding Bruno Guimarães, who single-out for a "private chat" with an admiring Guardiola at the final whistle. Guimarães played a key role in Newcastle's resurgence, and his partnership with Sandro Tonali looked more promising than ever.
In contrast, City struggled to find their rhythm after a series of missed chances. The visitors' usually slick passing game was frustrated by Newcastle's well-organized defense, which repeatedly cut off the channels that Foden and other City players relied on to create scoring opportunities.
The victory marked Howe's 17th top-tier win – he had finally beaten Guardiola – and gave him a much-needed boost in his battle to keep his job. It was also a testament to Barnes' growing importance for Newcastle, as he has developed into one of the team's key players.
What an absolute thrashing 
for Manchester City! I'm loving how Newcastle United have finally broken free from their relegation woes 
. Eddie Howe must be over the moon with this win – it's a massive confidence booster for him and his team 
. The way they nullified City's attacking threats was simply inspired 
. Harvey Barnes is becoming an absolute phenom 
! Bruno Guimarães, on the other hand, looks like a rock solid foundation for Newcastle's midfield 
. I'm excited to see how Newcastle will build on this momentum 
. City might be ruing their missed chances 
...
. And can you believe Erling Haaland just had a brain fart and missed that easy goal? 
But seriously, Newcastle played some amazing football and their defense was solid as a rock. Bruno Guimarães is like a superhero for this team, he's always getting the ball back and creating scoring chances 
. This win is huge for them and it shows that they're not just going through the motions under Eddie Howe's management 
just watched that game and I'm SHAKING! Eddie Howe is a GENIUS 
and Newcastle are FINALLY on fire 
. Manchester City needs Haaland back ASAP 
. Bruno Guimarães is the REAL MVP 
he brought that energy and class to the game. I'm SO LOVING this Newcastle resurgence 
. Howe proved all his doubters WRONG 
, he's a top manager! The Magpies have officially gone from struggling to THRIVING 
!
. You can't deny how well Newcastle played, especially defensively 
.
. It's definitely a turning point in Newcastle's season and shows that they can compete with the big boys 
. Eddie Barnes' volley was insane! You could see the desperation in Haaland's eyes after missing that golden opportunity... poor guy can't catch a break.
. Bruno Guimarães is having an incredible season and his partnership with Sandro Tonali looks unbeatable 
. But you know what the best part is? Newcastle's finally showing some life under Howe's management 
. They've been struggling, but this win gives 'em a whole new lease on life. Bruno Guimarães was on fire out there 
️! And that final whistle chat with Guardiola... nice to see even the City boss can appreciate good footy 
anyway, bruno guimarães and sandro tonali's partnership is looking super strong, maybe we'll see more of them as key players for newcastle 
This win will give them so much momentum going forward, they'll definitely stay in the top half of the table for sure 
his partnership with sandro tonali is so fire 
city will miss haaland so much 
and pep guardiola's reactions after the game were priceless 
. And have you seen that Bruno Guimarães guy? He seems like he's got some secrets, man... his private chat with Guardiola at the end was definitely too casual for my taste 
this is insane! I'm hyped for Newcastle, they totally came out on top and shut down City's revamp plans 
. And Bruno Guimarães is having an absolute boss game 
.
. This result could be the turning point Newcastle needed, and I'm loving every minute of it 
. I'm loving how Newcastle's been turning it around under Howe - they've got some serious bite to their game now 
. Now, he's got 17 top-tier wins under his belt and looks like he's finally found his groove as a manager. Bring it on! 
I was expecting another hammering for Newcastle but they showed some serious guts and defense skills. Harvey Barnes is like a superhero, scoring that volley in the 88th minute 
Eddie Howe's team has been struggling but this win is like a weight off their shoulders. Bruno Guimarães is like the hero of the match, I'm surprised Pep Guardiola didn't give him a medal at the final whistle 