'Notable tweaks' by Howe instead of 'radical changes'published at 14:24 GMT 23 November
14:24 GMT 23 November
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Media caption,
When Newcastle needed a result most, Eddie Howe and his staff devised a plan to finally get the better of Manchester City in the Premier League.
And it paid off following a 2-1 win at a raucous St James' Park as Howe tasted victory against Pep Guardiola for the first time in the top flight at his 17th attempt.
The seeds were planted in the days after Newcastle's 3-1 loss at Brentford this month.
Howe spent countless hours analysing footage, reviewing training and attempting to find answers to what has been a curious campaign.
It may have been a smaller training group, but Newcastle tried to rediscover "their energy and athleticism" during the international break.
And there were some notable tweaks for the visit of Manchester City.
Captain Bruno Guimaraes was handed a central role in the midfield three, where Sandro Tonali has taken up residence for the best part of a year, while returning full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento started their first game together since September and made a huge difference.
Fabian Schar also made his first top-flight start in two months in place of centre-back Sven Botman.
However, rather than making radical changes, Howe stuck with his favoured 4-3-3 system and two of the three alterations to his starting line-up were effectively enforced after Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon missed out through injury.
The bulk of those players who lined up at Brentford and, indeed, in the damaging defeat at West Ham, were given the chance to make amends as a result.
Newcastle 2-1 Man City: What Howe and Barnes said published at 20:14 GMT 22 November
20:14 GMT 22 November
Media caption,
Newcastle 'close to our best' in win over Man City - Howe
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "That doesn't sound good that, 19 games. I'm well aware of my record against Manchester City, that is something I take no pride in, really. Trying to figure out a way to beat them is very, very difficult.
"Even today's game, it was so tight. The margins in Premier League games against them are so fine, but we came out on the right side today. I thought it was a great performance from the players, full of energy, heart and bravery. I'm delighted with how we played."
On how he broke his duck against City: "The mindset was key and the attitude. The energy was back that was missing against Brentford and West Ham. Our running ability and power was there. Our technical ability was there too, which hasn't always been the case.
"We were brave in our approach. We tried to be aggressive, and we got rewarded that at times, they punish you for that at times, so you are always on a bit of a knife-edge against them. Thankfully Nick [Pope] made some good saves when needed them and we got the goals at good times."
On Harvey Barnes: "Two great goals for Harvey, he missed a couple in the first half, but he is always a player that gets chances, and that is the great thing about him. When you put him on the team sheet, you know there is going to be some moments.
"His first goal was an outstanding finish and that was probably the hardest of the ones he had today, found the corner with his right foot. The second one is about being in the right place at the right time. Two massive goals for us and hopefully that can lift us in the Premier League."
On Nick Woltemade: "Nick played his part today. I was really pleased he was getting the chance today. He has done really well to score with the chances he has had with us, but we need to create more for him, and he needs to do better in some situations. They were there for him today, and the goalkeeper has made a couple of saves to deny him, but it was very evident that he was a threat in the game."
Forward Harvey Barnes speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It feels great [to be the matchwinner]. I don't think I was the most popular man at halftime. Glad to make up for it in the second half with a couple of good goals and it was a great win for us. Hopefully, after today's result, we can kick on and go on a good run.
On his second goal: "It's just about adjusting and finding any way to get it in. It's horrible that two minute wait for VAR, but delighted when it is given to get back into the game. Showed good character to get ahead again. It's a big win for us, it really is. To get the result against a top, top team, it gives you even more confidence."
On the home form: "It's a special place to play your football. Our big thing has been making teams uncomfortable to play here. The last couple of results have been disappointing. The quicker we can improve that form away from home, it will be a really big boost for us."
Did you know?
Newcastle's Eddie Howe picked up his first-ever Premier League win over Manchester City's Pep Guardiola in his 17th attempt (D2 L14).
Excluding penalties, Harvey Barnes is Newcastle's top goalscorer in all competitions this season (6 goals). He was the first Newcastle player to score twice in a Premier League game against Manchester City since Alan Shearer in November 2003 – with today the 40th meeting between the two sides in the competition since.
Newcastle analysis: Barnes embodies resiliencepublished at 19:56 GMT 22 November
19:56 GMT 22 November
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle looked anything but resilient when they floundered at the Gtech Community Stadium this month.
But Eddie Howe stopped short of making sweeping changes and instead gave the bulk of these players the chance to make amends.
They certainly did that.
Newcastle looked more like their old energetic selves as captain Bruno Guimaraes celebrated winning tackles, the returning Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento raced up and down the flanks, and Malick Thiaw stood up to Erling Haaland.
However, in some ways, it was a forward who embodied the side's newfound resilience.
Harvey Barnes missed a couple of huge chances in the first half - even firing wide with the goal gaping after Jacob Murphy picked him out at the back post.
But he rallied after the break. Not only did Barnes open the scoring with a clinical finish from outside the area, but he stepped up again after Manchester City drew level.
Newcastle have been brittle this season, throwing away more points - nine - from winning positions than any other Premier League side, but this time they found a way to win thanks to Barnes' close-range finish.
No wonder Barnes was handed a standing ovation when he came off late on. No wonder supporters were singing "Barnes will tear you apart again" as they left the stadium at full-time.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Man City", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Man Citypublished at 11:12 GMT 22 November
11:12 GMT 22 November
Based on both teams' form, I should really go for a Manchester City win here, but sometimes gut instinct takes over and this is one of those occasions.
Newcastle have struggled on the road and been flat and dismal in the away matches when they have dropped points, but things are different at home and they are capable of anything at St James' Park.
City beat a very average Liverpool side at Etihad Stadium before the international break and how they get on here will probably be a better gauge of where they are really at.
I know City fans have seen their team put together long winning runs to deliver so many league titles in recent seasons and maybe they think this is the start of something similar, but I don't see it that way.
Pep Guardiola's side still have a lot to work on, and I think they will be held to a draw here. Newcastle have lacked a bit of a spark so far this season but they will be well up for this one.
Newcastle v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:11 GMT 21 November
19:11 GMT 21 November
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City continue their title challenge against a Newcastle United side aiming to bounce back from consecutive defeats.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at St James' Park.
Haaland approaches record-breaking century
Manchester City resume Premier League proceedings following the international break second in the table and on a run of four successive wins in all competitions – their longest such sequence of the current campaign to date.
Central to City's success so far this season has been the superlative form of striker Erling Haaland, who has scored 30 goals in his past 18 games for club and country.
The Norway international continues to close on yet another Premier League milestone in record time.
He needs just one goal to reach his century in the Premier League and should he do so against Newcastle this weekend, the feat will have been achieved in 15 fewer appearances than any other player in the competition's history.
Image caption,
Erling Haaland will reach 100 Premier goals in a record number of appearances should be score against Newcastle this weekend
Haaland has scored 14 Premier League goals in 11 matches in 2025-26 and his ruthless finishing has been in full effect, with eight coming via a first-time finish.
While Haaland's rich vein of form has been familiar throughout his City career, Pep Guardiola's side are currently bucking the widespread trend of scoring an increased amount of goals from set-pieces.
Nico Gonzalez's goal from a corner in the 3-0 Premier League win against Liverpool ahead of the international break was City's first from a set-piece this season, the joint lowest tally of any side, with the Blues instead scoring an unrivalled 22 times from open play.
Image caption,
Manchester City and Liverpool have scored the fewest set-piece goals this season
Whether it comes from a set-piece or not, any kind of City goal has often felt inevitable in this fixture.
They have scored in each of their past 33 Premier League games against Newcastle – a competition record by one side against the same opponent.
Should Guardiola's men score – and win – at St James' Park on Saturday, they can move to within one point of leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham on Sunday.
Newcastle's bogey team
Newcastle come into this contest attempting to recover from back-to-back defeats for the first time this season in a fixture that has proved particularly problematic for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle's head coach has failed to win any of his 18 career Premier League meetings with City (drawn two, lost 16) – the longest such sequence of any Premier League manager against the same opponent without ever winning.
If the Magpies are to help end Howe's personal purgatory against his bogey team, they must manage matches better once ahead.
Newcastle have now lost three league games this season after scoring first, including their two most recent defeats.
They had previously lost three games after opening the scoring across the entirety of the past two seasons.
Newcastle's home form
However, the Magpies are on a strong run of home form, winning their past five matches at St James' Park in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and keeping four clean sheets.
Summer signing Nick Woltemade has scored in three of his four home league appearances so far and continues to grow into Premier League football, with all three of his open-play goals coming from first-time shots.
The 23-year-old also scored three goals for Germany during the international window in wins against Luxembourg and Slovakia.
Financial Fair Play rules in Premier League to change next seasonpublished at 18:10 GMT 21 November
18:10 GMT 21 November
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League will from next season move to a new system of Financial Fair Play (FFP) based on squad costs.
The clubs met in London on Friday to vote on three possible methods of replacing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) got 14 votes in favour and six against, which is the minimum number that is required to exact a rule change.
Overall squad costs from next season will have to be limited to 85% of a club's revenue, although teams competing in Europe will have to adhere to Uefa's maximum of 70%.
Squad costs comprise player and manager wages, transfer fees and agents' fees.
Rules around sustainability, which set out a club's financial spending plans over the medium and long term, were passed unanimously.
Newcastle 'desperate' to get back on trackpublished at 13:57 GMT 21 November
13:57 GMT 21 November
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United may have not been in action during the international break. But there was no time to waste for Eddie Howe.
The head coach has spent the past couple of weeks analysing games, reviewing training and trying to find answers to a curious season.
On one hand, Newcastle have won six of their past nine matches, sit in sixth place in the Champions League standings and have a home Carabao Cup quarter-final to come against Fulham.
But, on the other, Howe's side are just a couple of points above the relegation zone in the Premier League, having failed to win an away game in the top flight since April.
Some "honest" words have been shared with the squad since a bruising 3-1 defeat at Brentford.
But, given the turnaround, attention has quickly turned to Saturday's visit of Manchester City since the club's internationals returned to training on Thursday.
Understandably so.
This is a Manchester City side in ominous form and with a formidable record against Newcastle and indeed Howe, who has never defeated the title challengers in the Premier League.
But, in some ways, it could be just the game Newcastle need to kick start their league season.
And a response is sorely needed.
"We have a lot to prove to ourselves after the last couple of away games in the Premier League, which have been really disappointing," Howe said.
"We're desperately keen to try to put that right and get our Premier League form back on track."
Howe on Gordon's return, hall of fame and international break analysispublished at 10:19 GMT 21 November
10:19 GMT 21 November
Josh Lobley BBC Sport Journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City at St James' Park (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Winger Anthony Gordon is very close to full fitness and has worked hard during the international break. Howe said the decision on whether he will be involved this weekend or not will be a last-minute one.
He also confirmed midfielder Sandro Tonali is OK after leaving Italy duty early. Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also fine after concerns over the break.
Tino Livarmento is another player who is very close to returning and Howe said the full back has trained at the club over the international break.
After being inducted into the club's hall of fame this week, Howe said he finds personal accolades difficult to accept because it should not just be about him as a manager - but he accepted it on the behalf of everybody at the club. He says the evening as a whole gave a great boost before a busy winter schedule.
Howe has spent the international break doing a lot of analysis to "try to make sense" of the side's inconsistent form this season, adding: "Having done the work, I am excited to see what the future will bring. I just want to see us consistently play to a high level."
On Saturday's opponents and their in-form striker Erling Haaland: "They have threats from lots of different areas so focusing on one isn't right - but, of course, he is an outstanding goalscorer."
Pope or Ramsdale?published at 08:44 GMT 21 November
08:44 GMT 21 November
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot has been pondering who should be the club's first-choice goalkeeper, Nick Pope or Aaron Ramsdale?
"Nick Pope is in form, he's played consistently, he deals with the high ball so well despite the Brentford and West Ham one, he reads the game and he makes massive saves," says Elliot.
"I think at the moment, we still need goalkeepers that make massive saves at the right time until we get the consistency back as a team.
"And I think that you're probably looking at maybe in the next six months, three to six months, where whether it's Aaron Ramsdale or someone else that comes in - there was talks of James Trafford wasn't there at previous times - that comes in that maybe does evolve that position where they're a ballplaying goalkeeper. I think it's getting that balance right. And for me at this moment in time, stick with Nick Pope, I think he's earned that right but it's fantastic to have a top class person as well and goalkeeper in Ramsdale."
Why doesn't Howe play Miley?published at 08:04 GMT 21 November
08:04 GMT 21 November
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Some of you have been sending in questions about why Eddie Howe does not play Lewis Miley via our 'Ask about Newcastle' form. There are concerns expressed that the midfielder will have seen Elliot Anderson's progress since leaving and want the same, putting the Magpies at risk of losing another young talent.
This is a timely question. In so many ways.
First, Miley memorably broke into the side two years ago - at the height of an injury crisis - so it feels apt to reflect on his development since then.
Secondly, Newcastle's heavyweight midfield has not been functioning like it used to on the road, which potentially raises the prospect of increased game time for Miley and one or two others in the coming weeks given the number of games Howe's side have.
I get the comparison with Anderson, a fellow midfielder and academy graduate, but it is easy to forget Miley is three and a half years younger yet has already played more games for his boyhood club than his former team-mate ever did.
Miley is also the sort of character who has taken a lot from the matches he has featured in this season - and the staff and players he has worked with day in, day out for a while now - rather than lamenting the games he has not.
Howe has been conscious of not putting too much pressure on Miley, particularly after an injury-ravaged campaign last year, but the head coach rates the 19-year-old as an "outstanding talent".
He certainly will not want to lose him after having to let Anderson go because of the club's desperate profit and sustainability situation in 2024.
I still see Miley being a big part of the club's future.
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Manchester City could offer James Trafford to Newcastle in a player-plus-cash deal to secure the services of 23-year-old England full-back Tino Livramento. (Teamtalk, external)
A pivotal moment for the Premier Leaguepublished at 17:11 GMT 20 November
17:11 GMT 20 November
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
One of potentially the biggest moments in English football is coming on Friday, but precious few people understand how important it could be or even know about it.
The Premier League is considering 'anchoring' wages, which would cap the amount any club could spend on their squad at five times the smallest central Premier League broadcasting and prize money payout.
It is a complex argument. The league and some clubs are considering it because they want to ensure wage inflation does not continue to rise endangering their long-term financial security. From the other side - the players and their union, the PFA - this unnaturally limits the amount they can earn in what has until now been a free and open market.
Any changes to that position foisted upon the players without their prior consultation and agreement will not go down well. Remember, the players are the people that the paying public, the TV companies and the advertisers want to see, not a bunch of chairmen, executives and directors arguing over accounts, dividends and profit margins.
The game has increased the number of games played per season without consulting those who are physically doing it. No studies on how that will affect their health in the short and long term were considered, and so the PFA in England looks like it is finally ready to take a strong stand for its members.
Strike ballots are not unknown, I should know, as chairman of the PFA my name was on the bottom of every ballot paper when we last considered strike action over changes in working conditions. The modern owners may have forgotten, but we had 99% backing from our members.
Owners may think of footballers as ultra wealthy, mercenary, thickos who can easily be controlled - well they thought that last time and they lost.
It is time for serious and meaningful negotiation between equals and not a master and serf attitude from one side towards the other.
Will Magpies get Wissa compensation? Why the inconsistent form?published at 12:12 GMT 20 November
12:12 GMT 20 November
Image source, Getty Images
This is the final part of our Q&A with BBC Sport's Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly. Scroll down this page to read the previous three parts, which were published over Wednesday and Thursday.
Paul asked: Will Newcastle receive compensation from Fifa for Yoane Wissa's injury on international duty for DR Congo? Will he play at Afcon? When will he make his club debut? Will he play alongside Nick Woltemade when he is back?
Ciaran answered: Fifa's club protection programme covers the wages of players injured on international duty up to the maximum amount of £6.6m, until they are declared fit to return for their clubs.
However, that will be of little consolation to Newcastle after the club spent £55m on Wissa in order to ease the burden on Woltemade, who has instead had to hit the ground running.
There is no concrete return date as of yet for Wissa - it could even be next month at this rate - as Newcastle staff want to ensure the forward is not only able to stay fit but also able to immediately impact games once he returns to action.
I initially wondered whether Wissa would be rotated with Woltemade, but the team looks in need of a spark.
As much as the return of full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento will give Newcastle a new outlet down the flanks, Wissa could offer a new dimension with his pace and instincts inside the box.
One way of accommodating both Woltemade and Wissa through the middle would be to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
But, given how out of form the vast majority of Newcastle's wingers are, it is also not hard to imagine Eddie Howe using Wissa out wide, where the 29-year-old played most of his football for Brentford before he moved inside last season following Ivan Toney's departure.
It could be that Wissa only briefly returns to action before flying off to the Africa Cup of Nations, but it is important to stress this is a major international tournament.
This is a decision that needs to be handled sensitively.
Edward asked: Can you try to explain the growing gap between Newcastle's Champions League and domestic form? Is it that Europe is now our priority, or do we play better under pressure, or are Brentford and Brighton better sides than Benfica and Athletic Club?
Ciaran answered: It is the million-pound question, isn't it?
When Newcastle were last in the Champions League a couple of years ago, they actually made a reasonably strong start to their Premier League season. In fact, at this stage of the campaign, Newcastle had six more points than they do now.
This time around, the dynamic has been flipped.
Having faced some of Europe's elite in 2023, Newcastle were thrown into the group of death with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
Howe's side have clearly relished the new Champions League format. In fact, they have already beaten Benfica, Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise in the league phase by an aggregate score of 9-0.
For me, though, it is about mentality.
It is all well and good getting up for a Champions League night, but Newcastle have to show real grit to go to Brighton or Brentford, as you say, and come away with something.
The competitiveness of the Premier League is such that Newcastle are now coming up against clued-up sides that have the technical ability and physicality to cause them real problems.
If Newcastle are even slightly off it, they will be punished.
St James' Park - should Newcastle stay or should they go?published at 09:00 GMT 20 November
09:00 GMT 20 November
Image source, Getty Images
The third part of our Q&A with BBC Sport's Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly is about the club's future at St James' Park.
Bib asked: Are you in favour of staying at St James' Park or moving to a new location, considering the unrest this has caused within the fanbases of other clubs? Either way, surely the capacity of our ground must be enlarged to support our long-term goal?
Ciaran answered: When Newcastle United first commenced their feasibility study a couple of years ago, I was very much of the view they should stay put.
I am an outsider, obviously, but having covered games in dozens of stadiums across the country and Europe, there is something truly unique about St James' Park.
Like most people, my first visit stuck with me. It was not only the location of the stadium, but the fire that could be lit inside it at any given moment.
You can see why Newcastle have repeatedly stressed no decision has been made on whether to stay or go. This is a call laced with emotion, but they also have to take the emotion out of it.
As you say, in an era of profit and sustainability, how big a difference will potentially adding a few thousand seats make, given the constraints of the ground?
Will it deliver value for money when those at the very top have vowed to "only want to write that cheque once"?
As much as there are potential pitfalls in building a new stadium, there are also lessons to be learned from other clubs on what to avoid and how to get it right - and location really matters in this instance.
No wonder Newcastle have taken their time with such a seismic call - they have to get it right.
