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The Newcastle manager had tested various strategies.

Newcastle's manager had experimented with high-pressing tactics against City. Other formations saw his team sitting back defensively. Different systems were tested, but none yielded victory.

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, Howe and his coaching staff developed a strategy to finally overcome Manchester City in the Premier League.

And their planning proved successful following a 2-1 victory at an electric St James' Park 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. "The list of effective methods is brief, but we continuously learn and refine our approach. This was our process."

'Strategic evolution over revolution'

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

The manager invested extensive time studying video, evaluating practice sessions and looking for answers to their irregular season.

Despite having fewer players available, Newcastle concentrated on regaining "their dynamism and physicality" during the break.

Several notable adjustments were implemented for Manchester City's visit.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes was assigned a central role in the midfield three, where Sandro Tonali had been positioned for most of the past year, as full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento began a match together for the first time in months and proved highly influential.

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

However, rather than implementing radical changes, Howe maintained his preferred 4-3-3 system and two of the three modifications to his starting lineup were essentially forced after Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon missed out through injury.

The majority of players who featured at Brentford and, indeed, in the damaging defeat at West Ham, were given opportunities to redeem themselves.

"I don't support the idea of tearing everything down," Howe emphasized. "Unless the situation becomes desperate, which it hasn't, and that's not my managerial philosophy.

"I'm confident in identifying our best performers and aim to give them maximum chances to showcase their abilities by supporting them and facilitating their growth."

Barnes Delivers When It Matters

Something clearly needed to change, however.

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

Record signing Nick Woltemade had appeared isolated, with limited service, particularly in away matches.

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.

Newcastle manufactured several scoring opportunities for Woltemade, but the City goalkeeper produced three important stops.

Although Newcastle had become too Woltemade-focused, other attackers have emerged as reliable options.

Especially Barnes.

Barnes wasted crucial opportunities before halftime - even missing from close range - and acknowledged he wasn't "the most appreciated player" at intermission.

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 had been ahead versus Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham but surrendered their leads.

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.

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.

The defensive display caught the attention of ex-Newcastle player Jonathan Woodgate.

"Defensively they were outstanding, making it extremely challenging for City to exploit gaps in midfield," he stated in his broadcast analysis. "In the second period I judged them the dominant team, frequently exposing City in transition and finishing with two excellent Barnes strikes. What a spectacular game."

Home Dominance Continues

However, should this victory at a illuminated St James' Park be considered completely unexpected?

Just Manchester City (13) have secured more home Premier League victories than Newcastle (11) this year.

Beginning last season, the Magpies have achieved eight wins, two draws and merely two losses at St James' Park versus elite Premier League opposition.

Nonetheless, on their travels, Newcastle haven't secured a league victory since spring.

This clarifies why they sat merely one point above the drop zone before Saturday's crucial result.

"While I'd like to assert that supporters shouldn't affect player performance, it completely changes dynamics," Howe admitted. "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 the solution, we must work diligently to find answers."