Harvey Barnes Scores Twice as Newcastle Beat Manchester City 2-0

All the talk before the match centered on Erling Haaland chasing Alan Shearer’s record for the fewest games to reach 100 Premier League goals.

But it was Harvey Barnes who stole the spotlight, scoring twice to become the first Newcastle player to net a Premier League brace against Manchester City since Shearer in November 2003.

It was a frustrating day for City, who had hoped to close the gap on Arsenal, who won’t play until Sunday, after gaining two points on them before the international break. Guardiola kept faith with the same starting XI for a third straight Premier League match—the first time he had done so since August and September 2021—seeking continuity and momentum.

The game was wide open from the start. Both sides created numerous chances, yet opportunities were repeatedly wasted. Haaland failed to get a shot off after Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed out, while Nick Woltemade was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Barnes missed a sitter from Jacob Murphy’s cross, and Haaland later fired straight at Pope from close range. Phil Foden then missed arguably the best chance of the half.

By the break, seven big chances had been created (four for Newcastle, three for City), generating a combined 2.59 expected goals (1.18 for Newcastle, 1.41 for City), but the score remained 0-0. It was the most big chances in a goalless first half since 2010-11 and the second-highest non-penalty xG recorded in a goalless Premier League first half since 2012-13.