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Eddie Howe had exhausted all options.

Newcastle's manager had experimented with high-pressing tactics against City. Other formations saw his team sitting back defensively. Various tactical setups were attempted, none proving successful.

The situation had deteriorated to where Howe half-seriously claimed "we've exhausted our options" pre-game.

However, he uncovered an effective approach.

Following a bruising loss at Brentford, the Magpies urgently needed to bounce back, Howe and his coaching staff developed a strategy to finally overcome Manchester City in the Premier League.

And their planning proved successful following a 2-1 victory at an electric St James' Park giving Howe his maiden win over Guardiola's Manchester City in league competition.

"My records show numerous failed strategies against City, making clear what doesn't work," Howe explained. "The list of effective methods is brief, but we continuously learn and refine our approach. That was our methodology."

'I don't believe in radical overhauls'

The groundwork began after Newcastle's recent 3-1 loss at Brentford.

Howe spent numerous hours examining game film, assessing training and searching for fixes to their up-and-down form.

Despite having fewer players available, Newcastle concentrated on regaining "their dynamism and physicality" during the break.

Important modifications were made specifically for the City match.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes was assigned a central role in the midfield three, where Sandro Tonali had been positioned for most of the past year, while returning full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento started together for the first time since September and made a substantial impact.

Fabian Schar returned to the starting lineup for the first time in two months, taking Sven Botman's position.

However, rather than implementing radical changes, Howe maintained his preferred 4-3-3 system while two adjustments were enforced due to the absence of injured players Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon.

The core group from the Brentford and West Ham matches were provided with redemption opportunities.

"I'm against making wholesale changes," Howe stated. "Only in crisis situations would I consider drastic changes, which this isn't, and that's not my approach.

"I believe I have a clear understanding of our strongest players and I want to provide them every opportunity to demonstrate their qualities through guidance and development opportunities."

Barnes Delivers When It Matters

Nevertheless, adjustments were clearly necessary.

Only struggling Wolves and Leeds United had scored fewer goals than Newcastle in the top flight before this match.

Record signing Nick Woltemade had appeared isolated, with limited service, particularly in away matches.

Despite Woltemade's absence with the German national team, the squad developed new supporting movements for their forward including Barnes and Jacob Murphy, to enhance his performance when he rejoined the team.

Newcastle manufactured several scoring opportunities for Woltemade, but the City goalkeeper produced three important stops.

But whereas Newcastle were once overly dependent on Woltemade, other players have begun to contribute significantly.

Especially Barnes.

Barnes wasted crucial opportunities before halftime - even missing from close range - and acknowledged he wasn't "the most appreciated player" at intermission.

However, Barnes not only broke the deadlock with a superb strike from distance after halftime, he secured victory moments after City leveled through Ruben Dias.

The Magpies had held advantages against Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham but ended up defeated.

But they didn't collapse when Manchester City equalized or, indeed, after eight minutes of stoppage time were added.

This performance saw Newcastle dominate physical battles, winning more challenges and defensive actions.

Despite City's possession advantage, which distorts the data, Newcastle cleared their lines 36 times and confined City to merely four shots on goal.

That defensive performance impressed former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate.

"Out of possession they were exceptional and created significant difficulties when City attempted to find spaces between the lines," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "After halftime I viewed them as the better side, repeatedly threatening City on breaks and netting two superb Barnes goals. What an enthralling contest."

Fortress St James' Park

However, should this victory at a illuminated St James' Park be considered completely unexpected?

Only Manchester City (13) have won more Premier League home games than Howe's team (11) in 2025.

Beginning last season, the Magpies have achieved eight wins, two draws and merely two losses at St James' Park versus elite Premier League opposition.

Yet in away matches, Newcastle have failed to win a Premier League game since April.

This accounts for their position just one point clear of the bottom three prior to Saturday's important win.

"While I'd like to assert that supporters shouldn't affect player performance, it completely changes dynamics," Howe conceded. "We need to identify methods to generate momentum in away matches without fan assistance.

"That's our responsibility to resolve, whether through system adjustments, personnel changes. Whatever the solution, we must work diligently to find answers."