Newcastle's Eddie Howe hails Nick Woltemade's 'relentless display' against Man City

Newcastle made it six home wins in a row on Saturday evening, with Harvey Barnes scoring twice to overcome a first-half equaliser from Ruben Dias.

While Barnes took the headlines with two clinical finishes, Howe highlighted the influence of Woltemade, whose movement and intensity repeatedly unsettled City's back line.

The German striker, signed from Stuttgart in August 2025 after Alexander Isak's departure, has scored six goals in all competitions for Newcastle, four of them in the Premier League.

He went close on three occasions against City: his first-half header forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into an excellent save, Donnarumma denied him again when he broke through on goal, and a late finish was stopped, though the offside flag was already raised.

Woltemade still awaits another goal, but Howe insisted the forward's contribution went far beyond scoring.

"Nick played his part today," said Howe. "I was really pleased he was getting the chance today. He has done really well to score with the chances he has had with us, but we need to create more for him, and he needs to do better in some situations.

"They were there for him today, and the goalkeeper made a couple of saves to deny him, but it was very evident that he was a threat in the game."

Woltemade has faced scrutiny in recent weeks after quiet displays at West Ham United and Brentford, where he was substituted at half‑time in the former and struggled to make an impact in the latter.

However, he responded with goals for Germany during the international break and produced a far more assertive performance back in Newcastle colours.

The 23‑year‑old later admitted the pressure had been noticeable following his deadline-day move and the sizeable expectations created by the fee and by Isak's exit. Yet his display against City suggested he is settling into the role Howe expects.

Newcastle now need Woltemade to carry that threat into their European fixtures, with Tuesday's Champions League trip to Marseille.