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The Newcastle manager had tested various strategies.

The Newcastle United head coach previously deployed sides who pressed Manchester City aggressively. He tried alternative approaches with teams that dropped deeper. He experimented with multiple formations, all without positive results.

Howe was barely exaggerating when he said "we've tried everything" ahead of the weekend fixture.

But he discovered a solution.

After suffering a disappointing defeat at Brentford prior to the international break, Newcastle required a response, The Newcastle management created a blueprint to finally defeat Guardiola's team.

Their approach worked perfectly, resulting in a 2-1 triumph at a vibrant St James' Park marking Howe's initial Premier League success against Guardiola's side after 16 previous failures.

"My records show numerous failed strategies against City, making clear what doesn't work," Howe stated. "Identifying successful tactics requires minimal documentation, but we learn from each experience and make adjustments. That was our methodology."

'Gradual improvements preferred'

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.

Although working with a reduced training group, Newcastle focused on rediscovering "their energy and athleticism" during the international break.

Some significant tactical changes were introduced against Manchester City.

Bruno Guimaraes was deployed centrally in midfield, a role previously held by Sandro Tonali, with returning defenders Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento making their first joint start since autumn and creating a significant difference.

Defender Fabian Schar earned his first league start since autumn, coming in for Sven Botman.

Nonetheless, instead of making sweeping alterations, Howe stuck with his favored 4-3-3 formation 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 agree with completely overhauling systems," Howe declared. "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 by assisting them and encouraging their progress."

Barnes Rises to the Occasion

Nevertheless, adjustments were clearly necessary.

Only the struggling offenses of Wolves and Leeds had produced fewer goals than Newcastle this season.

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

Although Woltemade was away with Germany during the international break, Newcastle worked on different movements of players around the forward including Barnes and Jacob Murphy, to enhance his performance when he rejoined the team.

The Magpies generated clear chances for Woltemade during the match, with the City keeper making three crucial saves.

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

Notably 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.

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.

Newcastle previously led against Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham only to ultimately lose.

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.

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 stated in his broadcast analysis. "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

Nevertheless, is this outcome at a vibrant St James' Park truly astonishing?

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

From the start of the previous campaign, Newcastle have recorded eight victories, two draws and only two defeats at home against top opponents including City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, United and Spurs.

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 admitted. "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 proves necessary, we must dedicate ourselves to identifying solutions."