Before the game, no one expected Newcastle United to come away with all three points against Manchester City, and yet somehow, they did it.
Newcastle United went into the Saturday teatime clash on a poor run of form. Throw in injury issues and Eddie Howe’s abysmal record against Pep Guardiola, and it’s no wonder everyone expected the Magpies to lose.
Who was your Newcastle United MOTM against Manchester City?
However, two goals from Harvey Barnes won the day for Newcastle at St. James’ Park. While Barnes has been praised by Alan Shearer and many more, it’s not just his goals that secured the victory, obviously.
We were impressed with all the Newcastle players for their performance against City, but former Magpies defender Jonathan Woodgate has pinpointed exactly where the game was won and lost.
How Newcastle got the better of Man City
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live after the game, Woodgate highlighted the work Newcastle did off the ball as being fundamental to preventing Guardiola’s side playing their football and finding space in attacking areas.
“Out of possession they were top-drawer and made it so difficult when City tried to find those little pockets in between the lines,” Woodgate said.
However, it’s not just shutting out Erling Haaland that proved pivotal. Woodgate went on to say that Newcastle put together fluid attacking moves of their own, which led to those two decisive goals from Barnes.
“Second half I thought [Newcastle] were the better team, they kept on catching City on transitions and ended up scoring two fantastic goals by Barnes. What a game of football,” he added.
Newcastle have to use this win as a platform
That game against City was just the start of a very tricky run of fixtures for Newcastle. They have passed the first test with flying colours, but with the likes of Tottenham, Sunderland, and Chelsea on the horizon before Christmas, it’s vital Eddie Howe and his players don’t regress now.
Obviously, Newcastle have injuries to contend with, but the return of the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall will be massive, as we saw on Saturday.
What Eddie Howe and the pundits said about Newcastle United’s statement win over Manchester City.
It’s an away day at Everton next, which won’t be easy. The Toffees may be inconsistent, but they’ve been solid at home this season and Newcastle will do well to come away from Hill Dickinson with three points.
Still, if they can, that momentum generated will be so important to navigating December’s hectic schedule and going into the New Year in a much stronger position. The chances of securing Champions League football are low, but they’re not impossible with so much of the season still to go.
The post 'So difficult': Jonathan Woodgate knows exactly why Newcastle United were able to beat Man City appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.