Newcastle United earned a huge 2–1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday night, with Harvey Barnes scoring twice to secure Eddie Howe’s first Premier League win over Pep Guardiola. The result denies City the chance to close the gap on Arsenal and lifts Newcastle to 14th in the table.
After a first half packed with missed chances for both sides, Barnes broke the deadlock on 63 minutes, finishing calmly after being played through by Bruno Guimarães. City responded almost immediately through Rúben Dias, who converted from the second phase of a corner.
But Newcastle struck again just two minutes later. A header from Nick Woltemade found Guimarães at the back post, and after his effort bounced off the crossbar, Barnes reacted quickest to score from close range. A lengthy VAR review checked two potential offsides and a possible foul on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the goal stood.
The first half had seen chances fall to Barnes, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Woltemade, with both goalkeepers kept busy and City denied two penalty claims. After the final whistle, Guardiola appeared frustrated, engaging in tense discussions with officials and Newcastle players.
City stay third—one point behind Chelsea and four behind leaders Arsenal—missing a major chance to close the gap. Newcastle, meanwhile, climb four points clear of the relegation zone after a statement win.
