Schar and Woltemade Head Holders Into Final Eight
Newcastle United continued their Carabao Cup title defence with a assured 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park, because of first-half headers from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade.
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Eddie Howe made eight adjustments to his line-up, however the holders had been sharp from the outset and took management by way of two brilliantly executed targets. Sandro Tonali’s pinpoint nook discovered Schar, who rose unchallenged above Lucas Bergvall to energy a header past Antonin Kinsky halfway by way of the primary half.
Tottenham protested that the nook was taken whereas Djed Spence was nonetheless placing his boot again on, however referee Chris Kavanagh allowed the objective to face. The guests’ frustration grew as Newcastle continued to dominate the aerial battles that Spurs have typically used to their very own benefit this season.
The second objective arrived earlier than the interval. Joe Willock, having fun with a vigorous night in midfield, clipped a intelligent cross into the world for Woltemade. The German ahead confirmed composure and power to nod house his sixth objective of the marketing campaign as Kinsky got here out and missed the ball utterly.
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Newcastle Management the Contest as Spurs Battle
Spurs virtually responded instantly by way of Pape Sarr, whose fierce drive pressured Aaron Ramsdale right into a superb diving save, however Newcastle’s again line held agency. The hosts got here closest to including a 3rd when Harvey Barnes struck the crossbar with an acrobatic effort.
The outcome by no means regarded unsure as Newcastle closed out the match professionally, reserving their place within the final eight of the competitors for the fourth consecutive 12 months. The St James’ Park crowd celebrated lengthy after the whistle, absolutely conscious that desires of one other Wembley journey stay very a lot alive.
Howe’s Modifications Pay Off as Geordies Dream of Extra Silverware
The fourth spherical has not been type to defending Carabao Cup champions lately, with Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool and Manchester United all falling at this stage prior to now three seasons. Newcastle, nevertheless, regarded decided to interrupt that pattern.
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Captain Bruno Guimaraes had spoken earlier than the match concerning the squad’s ambition to “create historical past” as soon as once more, and people phrases had been clearly taken to coronary heart. Six of final season’s trophy-winning gamers had been joined by 5 summer time arrivals in a mix of expertise and new vitality that labored completely.
By the point Woltemade made it 2-0, the gang had been already in full voice, chanting about one other doable Wembley look. Newcastle nonetheless have an extended highway forward, however their perception and steadiness beneath Howe counsel they continue to be critical contenders.
Spurs Left to Rue Mushy Targets and Missed Probabilities
For Tottenham, the defeat will sting. Thomas Frank named a comparatively sturdy aspect, signalling clear intent to take the competitors critically. But defensive lapses proved expensive as soon as once more.
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The primary objective uncovered Spurs’ lack of focus, with gamers distracted by Spence’s temporary absence as an alternative of defending Tonali’s nook. The second was a mixture of miscommunication and poor goalkeeping, as Kinsky rushed off his line solely to see Woltemade rise highest to move into an empty internet.
Regardless of Pape Sarr’s vivid show and a handful of attacking moments, Spurs hardly ever regarded like turning the sport round. Their sturdy away kind within the league didn’t translate into cup success on Tyneside.
Frank will search for a fast response when his crew host Chelsea on the weekend, whereas Newcastle’s focus shifts to their Premier League journey to West Ham earlier than a Champions League evening beneath the lights in opposition to Athletic Membership.