Haaland, seeking his 100th league goal, failed to convert multiple chances as Newcastle sealed a controversial 2–1 win.
Newcastle United dented Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes after claiming a dramatic 2–1 victory at St. James’ Park on Saturday, with Harvey Barnes scoring twice in a match filled with VAR controversy.
Pep Guardiola’s men fell behind early in the second half when Barnes broke the deadlock, before Ruben Dias equalised moments later for City.
However, Newcastle immediately restored their lead through Barnes again — a goal that stood after a lengthy VAR review over a possible offside involving Bruno Guimaraes.
Guardiola was left frustrated by the officiating, especially after City were denied a first-half penalty when Phil Foden went down under a strong challenge. The City boss also questioned several handball decisions that didn’t go in his side’s favour.
The defeat leaves Manchester City third on the table, four points behind leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham on Sunday. It also ends City’s recent momentum after their impressive 3–0 win over Liverpool heading into the international break.
Haaland, who was seeking his 100th Premier League goal, endured a rare quiet night, failing to convert multiple chances and being kept scoreless for only the third time this season.
For Newcastle, the victory was significant. It marked Eddie Howe’s first-ever league win over Manchester City and eased pressure following consecutive losses to West Ham and Brentford.
City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma nearly gifted Newcastle an early opener with a misplaced pass, while both sides created several chances in a frantic opening spell. Newcastle were kept out by Donnarumma on multiple occasions before Barnes eventually punished City’s sloppy defending.
After Dias equalised, Newcastle responded immediately as Guimaraes struck the bar before Barnes smashed in the rebound — the decisive moment of the match.
The St. James’ Park crowd erupted as VAR finally confirmed the goal, sealing a memorable win for the Magpies.
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