Manchester City missed the chance to reduce the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal after falling 2-1 at Newcastle United on Saturday. Harvey Barnes scored the decisive goal at St James’ Park, delivering a rare blow to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Barnes opened the scoring with a first-half strike before Ruben Dias equalised via a deflection off Fabian Schar. Newcastle quickly regained the lead when Bruno Guimaraes’ header hit the bar, and Barnes was on hand to finish from close range. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR review.
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“It was important to respond after Brentford,” Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said. “The players showed character and belief, and Harvey led the way.”
City pressed for an equaliser, but Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nick Pope kept the visitors at bay. Erling Haaland, seeking his 100th Premier League goal, drew a blank.
The defeat leaves City third, unable to close in on Arsenal, who now hold a two-point lead.