\n<\/p>\n
Yet it could have been so different.<\/p>\n
Newcastle<\/a> may have been feeling the effects of playing with 10 men for so long in a spirited midweek win against Manchester United.<\/a><\/p>\n But Newcastle<\/a> started this fifth-round tie like a side who recognised that the FA Cup was not only their best chance of winning silverware this season.<\/p>\n It was also their most obvious route back into Europe at a time when Howe’s team lie in 12th place in the Premier League.<\/p>\n Newcastle<\/a> quickly got the crowd into the game with their energy and intent. <\/p>\n Manchester City<\/a> goalkeeper James Trafford and defender Matheus Nunes uncharacteristically booted the ball out of play as the hosts pressed high.<\/p>\n Perhaps, most crucially, Newcastle<\/a> grabbed the opening goal as Harvey Barnes fired his side in front with a fine curling effort.<\/p>\n It felt like a familiar script for Guardiola, who had previously seen Barnes score twice in a 2-1 win against his side at this very stadium back in November.<\/p>\n “The first 15, 20 minutes always happens,” he said. “We talk about that. We could not control.”<\/p>\n