Newcastle secured a memorable victory over Manchester City, providing a much-needed boost to their Premier League campaign. The first half was characterised by missed opportunities, with Harvey Barnes failing to capitalise on two clear-cut chances while Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were also wasteful. Newcastle took the lead when Bruno Guimaraes advanced into the final third and nudged the ball towards Barnes, who this time made no mistake.
Still haunted by his earlier misses, Barnes confidently slotted the ball past the goalkeeper from 18 yards. City equalised when Bernardo Silva's cross was only partially cleared by Lewis Hall, allowing Ruben Dias to squeeze the ball through Schar's legs and into the net. However, Barnes scored his second after City failed to deal with a goalmouth scramble following a header from Bruno that rebounded off the bar. Express Sport rates and slates the Magpies...
Newcastle player ratings vs Man City
Nick Pope - 8
Made several crucial saves. A key factor in this victory.
Tino Livramento - 9
Dominated the right flank for Newcastle. Added a new dimension to the team.
Fabian Schar - 8
Avoided a penalty call against Foden early on. Delivered a commanding performance.
Malick Thiaw - 10
A defensive tour de force, crucial in keeping Halaand at bay.
Lewis Hall - 9
Made a significant impact. Newcastle are a transformed team with him in the side.
Joelinton - 8
This was the Joelinton Newcastle fans have come to appreciate. Confident in all he did.
Sandro Tonali - 9
Quite simply one of the best midfielders in world football right now. A crucial cog in the wheel for Howe's team.
Bruno Guimaraes - 8
Had to step up and find his best form and managed it with a superb second half.
Harvey Barnes - 9
Bounced back from two sitters to make up for it in true style. The true test was how he responded from those horror misses but he did it like a clinical forward should. And you've got to respect him.
Jacob Murphy - 8
Found his A-game and caused issues all night. Even when some crosses were unrewarded.
Nick Woltemade - 8
Looked shattered when he was taken off. Was an aerial threat and only denied a goal by the class of Donnarumma.
Substitutes
Sven Botman (for Hall 79) - N/A
Anthony Elanga (for Barnes 84) - N/A
Joe Willock (for Woltemade 84) - N/A