Back in Tyne: Five classic encounters with Manchester City

Bellamy's beauty as United edge seven-goal classic (2004/05)

Craig Bellamy's late strike sealed a dramatic 4-3 win over the Blues back in October 2004.

All seven goals were netted in the second-half as Laurent Robert's free-kick, along with Alan Shearer's penalty, gave United a brief lead before City quickly replied through Shaun Wright-Phillips before Robbie Fowler also netted from the spot.

Robbie Elliott's header restored the Magpies' lead before City, managed by former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan, pegged their opponents back once again with another goal from Wright-Phillips.

However, Newcastle refused to settle for a draw and after good work by left-back Olivier Bernard, Craig Bellamy cleverly juggled the ball before flicking a volley past David James in the 89th minute.

 

Ritchie's penalty seals remarkable comeback (2018/19)

Despite conceding after 24 seconds, Newcastle United recorded a fantastic 2-1 victory against Man City back in January 2019 as goals from Salomón Rondón and Matt Ritchie secured a rare win against the Citizens.

Newcastle had not beaten City in 22 league games having only collected three points from a possible 66 against their opponents and it seemed the wait for a victory would continue as Sergio Aguero fired City into an early lead.

However, United grew in belief and - in the second half - St. James' Park erupted as Rondón fired home the equaliser in front of the Gallowgate End after connecting with Isaac Hayden's header from inside the penalty area.

The game turned on its head towards the latter stages of the contest as Newcastle were awarded a penalty following Fernandinho's foul on Sean Longstaff, allowing Ritchie to drill the ball beyond Ederson, despite waiting more than two minutes to take the spot kick after the Brazilian goalkeeper received treatment. 

 

Shelvey's stunner (2019/20)

Jonjo Shelvey's late strike rescued a point for the hosts in a 2-2 draw against the Premier League champions - the Magpies' last league encounter at St. James' Park.

Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Pep Guardiola's side before loanee Jetro Willems equalised shortly after with a delightful finish following neat build-up play with Miguel Almirón, who also registered his first United assist in the process.

It looked as if City had snatched maximum points in the closing stages through Kevin De Bruyne's brilliant long-range effort, which flew into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

However, with two minutes of normal time remaining, Christian Atsu pulled the ball back to Shelvey from a free-kick before the midfielder's first-time effort from the edge of the penalty area bent into the left-hand corner of Ederson's goal.

 

Beardsley bags hat-trick in five-star display (1983/84)

An emphatic display of finishing saw United record a fine 5-0 win over the Citizens, with Peter Beardsley scoring three times, as well as Kevin Keegan and Chris Waddle getting their names on the scoresheet.

Playing in the old Second Division, both sides were battling for promotion to the top tier of English football but City were no match for the devastating United front line, with the Magpies running out comfortable winners.

Newcastle would go on to achieve third spot at the end of the season, finishing ten points ahead of their promotion rivals to secure their status in the top flight.

 

Shearer too strong for City (2003/04)

Alan Shearer netted a second-half brace as the Magpies secured a 3-0 win against Keegan's City side back in November 2003.

It was another encounter against City which involved all of the goals being scored in the final 45 minutes, with striker Shola Ameobi breaking the deadlock on his 50th senior start before Shearer, who was signed by Keegan in a world record £15M transfer from Blackburn Rovers in 1996, scored twice in eight minutes.

United lost just twice in 13 league matches between October and December as they ended the 2003-04 campaign in fifth place, qualifying for the UEFA Cup.