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Eddie Howe had exhausted all options.

Newcastle's manager had experimented with high-pressing tactics against City. He tried alternative approaches with teams that dropped deeper. 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.

After suffering a disappointing defeat at Brentford prior to the international break, Newcastle required a response, Howe and his coaching staff developed a strategy to finally overcome Manchester City in the Premier League.

The strategy paid dividends with a 2-1 win in front of a passionate home crowd 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 stated. "Telling you what does is a very small piece of paper, but you just try and learn from experience and just tweak something the next time. That's what we did."

'Strategic evolution over revolution'

The foundation was established in the days following Newcastle's 3-1 defeat at Brentford this month.

Howe dedicated countless hours analyzing match footage, reviewing training sessions and seeking solutions to what has been an inconsistent campaign.

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, with returning defenders Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento making their first joint start since autumn and creating a significant difference.

Fabian Schar also made his first top-flight start in two months, replacing centre-back Sven Botman.

However, rather than implementing radical changes, Howe maintained his preferred 4-3-3 system with two of the three lineup changes being necessitated by injuries to Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon.

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

"I don't support the idea of tearing everything down," Howe emphasized. "Unless you're in absolute panic mode, which we're not, and I don't believe in that style of leadership anyway.

"I possess strong insight into our top talent and strive to create optimal conditions for their development through guidance and development opportunities."

Barnes Rises to the Occasion

However, transformation was undoubtedly required.

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

High-profile acquisition Nick Woltemade had looked disconnected, receiving inadequate support, especially on the road.

While Woltemade was on international duty with Germany, Newcastle practiced varied attacking patterns around their striker including Barnes and Jacob Murphy, to enhance his performance when he rejoined the team.

Newcastle certainly created opportunities for Woltemade on Saturday, who was denied on three occasions by Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

However, while Newcastle previously relied too heavily on Woltemade, additional squad members have started making important contributions.

Particularly Barnes.

The attacker squandered important chances in the opening period - including missing an empty net - and confessed he wasn't "the fan favorite" during the break.

But not only did Barnes open the scoring with an excellent effort from the edge of the area in the second half, he delivered the winner just minutes after Manchester City equalized through Ruben Dias.

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

However, they maintained composure when City drew level and during eight additional minutes.

The match featured Newcastle outperforming City in defensive statistics, including tackles, headers and blocks.

Although Manchester City controlled possession, which naturally affects the statistics, Newcastle stood firm and made nearly twice as many clearances (36) and restricted the visitors to just four shots on target.

This defensive effort was praised by former Magpies defender Jonathan Woodgate.

"Without the ball they were magnificent, complicating City's efforts to penetrate defensive lines," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "In the second period I judged them the dominant team, frequently exposing City in transition and finishing with two excellent Barnes strikes. What an enthralling contest."

St James' Stronghold

Yet should this result under the lights at St James' necessarily come as a massive surprise?

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

Since the beginning of last season, Newcastle have won eight, drawn two and lost just two of their home fixtures against Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham across all competitions.

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 have to discover ways to create positivity in road games without spectator backing.

"This is our challenge to address, whether via tactical modifications, roster decisions. Whatever proves necessary, we must dedicate ourselves to identifying solutions."