By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Newcastle United dented Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes on Saturday with a controversial 2-1 victory at St James’ Park, sealed by a Harvey Barnes brace confirmed only after a lengthy VAR review.
Barnes opened the scoring in the 64th minute before Ruben Dias levelled four minutes later.
Newcastle restored their lead almost immediately, with Barnes volleying in after Bruno Guimaraes hit the bar, a goal allowed to stand despite a prolonged offside check. The defeat leaves City third, four points behind leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola criticised the officiating and his team’s poor finishing. Erling Haaland, seeking his 100th Premier League goal, endured a rare off day, missing several clear chances.
The win, only Newcastle’s second over City in 36 meetings handed Eddie Howe his first league victory against Guardiola. City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma had earlier kept the hosts at bay, while both sides squandered opportunities in a frantic first half.
Newcastle’s precision after the break proved decisive as Howe’s men bounced back from consecutive defeats to West Ham and Brentford.
