Howe’s search for solutions

For the longest time, Eddie Howe had been searching for the key that would unlock victory over Manchester City. He had tried pressing high, sinking deep, switching formations and adjusting the tempo in countless ways. Yet every meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side ended in frustration. Ahead of the match, Howe even joked that he had exhausted all possible ideas. In truth, he had one more up his sleeve.

Coming off a bruising defeat at Brentford before the international break, Newcastle United desperately needed a response. Howe and his staff dived into hours of video analysis, revisiting training footage and reimagining the team’s approach. The result was a performance full of clarity, intent and resilience as Newcastle delivered a superb 2-1 victory at a deafening St James’ Park. It marked Howe’s first Premier League win over Guardiola at the seventeenth time of asking.

“I’ve got lists and lists of things that haven’t worked,” Howe admitted afterwards. “Telling you what does is a very small piece of paper, but you learn from experience and tweak something the next time. That’s what we did.”

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A period of reflection and targeted tweaks

The groundwork for this win was laid during the international break. With a reduced training group, Newcastle focused on rediscovering the aggressive energy and athleticism that had been missing in recent weeks. There were tactical adjustments, but Howe resisted the temptation for wholesale change. He maintained the familiar 4-3-3, ensuring continuity even amid personnel alterations.

Bruno Guimaraes returned to a central midfield role, a position that had recently belonged to Sandro Tonali, and the adjustment instantly brought balance. Full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, starting together for the first time since September, added dynamism down both flanks. At centre-back, Fabian Schar stepped in for the out-of-form Sven Botman and delivered a controlled, composed display.

Injuries to Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon forced two of the changes, but Howe made clear he was not about to “rip things up”.

“Unless you’re in absolute panic mode, which we’re not, I don’t believe in that style of leadership,” he said. “I know who our stronger players are and I want to give them every opportunity to show that.”

Barnes delivers when it matters most

Something, however, had to shift. Newcastle’s goalscoring record had been a concern, with only Wolves and Leeds having found the net fewer times. Record signing Nick Woltemade had too often been isolated, lacking the support needed to influence games consistently.

During the break, Newcastle worked on new patterns around the forward, focusing on the movement of Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy. The difference was clear. Woltemade produced his busiest performance in weeks, forcing three sharp saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Yet it was Barnes who stole the headlines.

The winger endured a frustrating first half, missing two big chances and admitting he felt he was “not the most popular man” at half-time. But in the second half, his confidence surged. He broke the deadlock with a beautifully placed strike from the edge of the area. When Ruben Dias levelled moments later, the familiar fear of Newcastle collapsing resurfaced. This time, though, they held firm. Barnes pounced again, rifling home the winner to spark pandemonium inside St James’ Park.

Newcastle’s resilience and defensive steel

Holding onto the lead required a level of resilience Newcastle have often lacked this season. They had previously taken the lead against Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham only to lose. Against City, they refused to wilt. Not even eight minutes of stoppage time could unsettle them.

Newcastle won more tackles, more aerial duels and produced more blocks than the champions. While City dominated possession, Newcastle almost doubled their clearance count, registering 36 to City’s total, and limited Guardiola’s side to just four shots on target. It was a disciplined, mature defensive showing that delighted former defender Jonathan Woodgate.

“Out of possession they were top-drawer,” Woodgate said. “They made it so difficult for City to find those pockets. Second half they were the better team, hurting City on transitions and scoring two fantastic goals. What a game of football.”

St James’ Park continues to be a fortress

Should this victory really be considered a shock? Perhaps not. Only Manchester City have won more Premier League home games in 2025 than Newcastle. Since the start of last season, Howe’s side have developed an exceptional record at St James’ Park against the traditional top six, winning eight, drawing two and losing only two in all competitions.

The challenge now is translating that ferocity into away fixtures. Newcastle have not won an away league game since April, and it is that poor travel record which had left them hovering just one point above the relegation zone before this win.

Howe acknowledges the difference the home crowd makes.

“As much as I’d like to say the crowd shouldn’t make the difference, it changes everything,” he said. “We have to figure out a way to take some of that positive energy into our away performances. Whether it’s the system, the personnel or something else, we need to work hard to fix it.”

A foundation to build upon

This victory over Manchester City does more than add three points. It offers belief. It gives Howe a template that works and a structure that simultaneously protects the defence and unleashes the pace and power of his attacking players. Most importantly, it restores confidence in a squad that has endured a difficult start to the season.

With key players returning, tactical clarity improving and the home crowd fully behind them, Newcastle may yet rediscover the momentum that carried them so impressively in previous campaigns. For Howe, this was not just a long-awaited win over Guardiola. It was a reminder that his methods, even when pressured, still carry weight.

And after so many attempts, he finally found the tweak that unlocked the champions.

St James’ Park roared in appreciation. Now the challenge is ensuring this breakthrough becomes a stepping stone, not a one-off triumph.