Newcastle defeats Manchester City

Key moments in the match

In an eventful showdown, Harvey Barnes made an early miss, failing to score from an open opportunity. However, he quickly redeemed himself with a perfectly executed shot that gave Newcastle the lead.

Controversial goal and VAR check

Manchester City leveled the score with Rúben Dias’s goal, but Barnes struck again to restore Newcastle’s lead. VAR was consulted amid City’s offside protests, confirming the legitimacy of the goal.

Guardiola’s reaction

Post-match, Pep Guardiola engaged in animated discussions with referee Sam Barrott. He aired grievances over the refereeing, drawing parallels to a prior game against Bournemouth involving goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Match statistics and player highlights

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe enjoyed a milestone win against Pep Guardiola after 19 matches. Meanwhile, prolific striker Erling Haaland remained at 99 league goals, after a missed opportunity early on kept his century at bay.

First half tension

The first half concluded goal-free, despite notable missed chances from both sides. Phil Foden’s near miss from close range left fans anticipating the second half.

Impact on title race

Manchester City’s defeat places them third in the league standings, trailing potential leaders Arsenal by up to seven points. Guardiola voiced his disappointment, recognizing the missed opportunity for a title race advantage.

Newcastle’s resurgence

This victory marks a turning point for Newcastle’s season. The influence of players like Harvey Barnes, alongside the return of essential squad members, has renewed optimism and improved performance in the league.