Newcastle spring to life as Howe finally beats Guardiola and Man City | OneFootball

Howe Ends Long Wait With Landmark Newcastle Victory Over Man City

Eddie Howe finally found the formula. After years of near misses, tactical reshuffles and mounting frustration, Newcastle United’s head coach claimed his first Premier League win over Manchester City, sealing a 2-1 triumph that carried both significance and symbolism at St James’ Park.

For Howe, this was a breakthrough moment. For Newcastle, it was a reminder of what they can be at their most disciplined and dynamic. And for Man City, it was an evening where the champions were made to look unusually uncomfortable.

Newcastle United v Athletic Club, UEFA Champions League Joelinton Of Newcastle United scores a GOAL 2-0 and celebrates during the Newcastle United v Athletic Club UEFA Champions League Round 1 match at St. James Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England on 5 November 2025 Credit: Lee Keuneke/Every Second Media Editorial use only. All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax ESM-1656-0137 LeexKeunekex/xEveryxSecondxMediax

Howe’s Adjustments Fuel Newcastle’s Resurgence

Howe admitted pre-match that his staff were running out of ideas. He joked that all that remained was a “very small piece of paper” listing the few things that might work against Manchester City. Yet in the aftermath of a bruising defeat at Brentford before the international break, he and his analysts set about ripping up that assumption.

He reviewed footage extensively, watched training sessions back, and looked for answers to a campaign that had drifted off course. What emerged was a plan built not on sweeping changes, but on precise alterations designed to re-energise the side.

Bruno Guimarães was tasked with anchoring the midfield trio from a more central position. Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, starting together for the first time since September, brought renewed drive from the full-back positions. Fabian Schär returned to the XI after two months without a league start.

And yet Howe refused to abandon his principles. Newcastle stuck with their 4-3-3, and many of the players who faltered at Brentford—and before that at West Ham—were given the chance to put things right.

“I don’t agree with ripping things up,” Howe said afterwards. “Unless you’re in absolute panic mode, which we’re not. I want to give our strongest players every opportunity to showcase themselves.”

Barnes Delivers When Newcastle Needed Him Most

With goals proving scarce this season—only Wolves and Leeds had fewer before kick-off—Newcastle needed someone to step beyond their usual attacking focal points. Record signing Nick Woltemade saw three efforts saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but this time support arrived from elsewhere.

Harvey Barnes endured a difficult first half, admitting he “wasn’t the most popular man” at the break after a series of missed chances. But the winger demonstrated the sort of resilience Howe has been demanding.

Barnes struck a crisp finish from the edge of the area to open the scoring, and after Rúben Dias equalised, he delivered again with a decisive winner minutes later. Newcastle had lost leads to Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham earlier in the season; this time they refused to crumble.

Their defensive commitment told its own story. Howe’s team won more tackles, more aerial duels and made more blocks than Man City, while registering almost twice as many clearances. Though City dominated possession, they were held to just four shots on target.

Former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate praised their shape and intensity on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying: “Out of possession they were top drawer. Second half, they were the better team, kept catching City on transitions and scored two fantastic goals.”

Newcastle’s Home Strength Highlights Continuing Away Concerns

This result should not necessarily be labelled a shock. In 2025, only Man City have won more Premier League home games than Howe’s side. Since the start of last season, the Magpies have an impressive record at St James’ Park against traditional top-six opposition.

But the club’s struggles on the road have left them hovering too close to the relegation zone. Saturday’s win lifted spirits and standings alike, yet Howe was quick to underline the importance of translating home performances into away resilience.

“We have to figure out a way to transfer some positive energy into our performances away,” he said. “Whether that’s system related or personnel related, we need to work hard to fix it.”

What is clear is that Newcastle’s belief has returned. Against Man City, Howe finally cracked a code that had defied him for years. The challenge now is ensuring this breakthrough becomes a springboard rather than an isolated high.