Newcastle United delivered a shock 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, with Harvey Barnes scoring a decisive brace, severely impacting City’s title challenge and boosting Newcastle’s season with fresh belief.
Newcastle United delivered a significant blow to Manchester City’s title challenge by defeating them 2–1 at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Harvey Barnes, who had earlier squandered chances, netted a brace with goals in the 63rd and 70th minutes to inspire the Magpies to an emotional victory.
City had briefly levelled through Rúben Dias in the 68th minute, but his strike proved to be too little, too late.
The report describes how Newcastle’s intensity surged after the restart, and they showed determination and clinical finishing to move ahead. Meanwhile, City, despite creating several opportunities, were undone by defensive lapses at key moments.
The report also highlights two contentious VAR decisions that angered Pep Guardiola’s side. A challenge on Phil Foden by Fabian Schär, which some believed warranted a penalty, was reviewed but no foul was given.
And in the buildup to Newcastle’s second goal, the goal stood after a lengthy VAR check — much to the delight of the home crowd.
This result is particularly damaging for Manchester City in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
According to The Athletic, the defeat not only costs them momentum but also widens the gap between them and league leaders. For Newcastle, the win acts as a potential turning point: a long-awaited first league victory over City under Eddie Howe.
The Magpies defended resolutely in the closing stages, holding on through added time and ending a run of poor form at a crucial moment.