Barnes Brace Stuns Champions: Newcastle United End 22-Year Hoodoo with Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Manchester City

Newcastle United secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester City at St James' Park, ending the visitors' unbeaten run and providing a much-needed boost for the Magpies' survival bid.

The match, which kicked off at 6:30 PM, showcased the best of English top-flight football, with both sides trading blows in a breathless second half. 

Newcastle, languishing near the relegation zone after recent defeats, found their spark through winger Harvey Barnes, who emerged as the undisputed hero of the afternoon. Barnes netted twice in quick succession, first in the 64th minute with a clinical finish from the edge of the box, followed by a composed strike just six minutes later to restore the hosts' lead after Manchester City's brief equalizer.

Manchester City, chasing a return to second place in the table, responded swiftly through defender Rúben Dias in the 68th minute. The Portuguese international volleyed home a deflected clearance from a corner, briefly silencing the raucous home crowd and hinting at a City comeback under manager Pep Guardiola. However, Newcastle's resolute defense, anchored by a commanding performance from goalkeeper Nick Pope, held firm in the closing stages, repelling waves of pressure from Erling Haaland and his teammates.

For Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the win marked a historic milestone: his first Premier League triumph over City across 19 attempts, coinciding with his 100th victory as Magpies boss. Speaking post-match, Howe praised his side's "heart, endeavour, and attitude," crediting their high pressing and clinical finishing for the outcome. The result catapults Newcastle into mid-table comfort, distancing them from the drop zone and injecting momentum ahead of their midweek UEFA Champions League clash with Marseille.

Conversely, the defeat represents a setback for Guardiola's title-chasing City, who squandered an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal. Barnes' brace – the first by a Newcastle player against City in the Premier League since Alan Shearer's in 2003 – revealing the rarity of this upset, with the Magpies now boasting just their second league win over City in 36 meetings. City will look to regroup quickly, hosting Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday.