Barnes’ Brilliant Brace Stuns Man City 2-1, Handing Guardiola Fourth Loss and Delivering First Victory for Howe

A quick-fire double from winger Harvey Barnes secured a sensational 2-1 victory for Newcastle United over Manchester City at St. James’ Park today, Saturday, November 22, 2025, handing Pep Guardiola’s side a massive blow to their Premier League title hopes.

The highly entertaining match, which remained goalless at halftime despite a series of missed chances by both sides, burst into life just after the hour mark with three goals scored in a frantic seven-minute spell.

The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Barnes collected a pass from Bruno Guimarães and curled a powerful shot past City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The lead was short-lived, however, as Rúben Dias leveled for the visitors just five minutes later when his deflected shot squeezed past Nick Pope from a corner kick scramble.

Barnes Seals Howe’s First Win

However, the Magpies delivered the immediate and decisive counterpunch just two minutes later. Guimarães’ header cannoned off the crossbar, and Barnes reacted quickest, hooking the rebound home from close range to restore the lead. After a tense, lengthy VAR review for a potential offside, the goal was allowed to stand, sending the St. James’ Park crowd into raptures.

The result is monumental for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, marking his first-ever Premier League win against a Pep Guardiola team in 19 attempts, and providing a crucial confidence boost for the squad who had suffered successive league defeats.

The defeat leaves Manchester City in 3rd place, a disappointing four points behind league leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. Pep Guardiola, while praising his players’ effort, conceded his team failed to capitalize on clear opportunities, most notably from star striker Erling Haaland, whose wait for his 100th Premier League goal continues.