Newcastle United are into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after defeating Tottenham 2-0 on Wednesday night at St. James’ Park.
In what is becoming a common trend, Newcastle United came roaring out of the traps with an aggressive pressing performance in their Carabao Cup win over Tottenham.
But, instead of failing to take advantage of their early control, Eddie Howe’s side took the lead when Fabian Schar headed home at a corner.
Newcastle could have had even more goals, with Harvey Barnes hitting the bar, but Spurs had chances of their own and played through the Magpies on several occasions before the break.
Newcastle doubled their lead just after the break with another header, this time Nick Woltemade nodding in his sixth goal for the club in casual fashion.
Newcastle were in total control after the second goal and knocked the ball around with verve and confidence, but just couldn’t add the third the performance deserved.
Here’s how the players rated as the Carabao Cup defence goes on.
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Aaron Ramsdale – 8
In for his second start for the club and Aaron Ramsdale put in a very confident and assured performance. He was good at reading the game in front of him, decisive off his line and positioned strongly to make simple saves, before he was then called to make a fantastic one down to his left from Pape Matar Sarr.
If Nick Pope wasn’t in such great form, the way Ramsdale also passed out with the ball at his feet would be putting him under pressure.
Emil Krafth – 7
Despite being up against the dangerous Djed Spence, Emil Krafth put in a really solid and reliable performance. He held his own against pacey attackers and did well going forward. The Swede isn’t one to bomb on the overlap, but he was tidy in possession and played smart passes forward.
Fabian Schar – 8
Back in the starting XI with a goal, rising highest at a corner to ensure Newcastle made their early dominance count. As composed at the back as ever, making important interventions when Spurs got on top.
Malick Thiaw – 7
Some timely challenges but also a couple of sloppy moments on the ball. Could have scored twice if he were a bit sharper in front of goal, too.
Dan Burn – 6.5
Some lovely interplay in forward areas and strong at powering up the pitch from left-back. Had a tough task against the rapid Brennan Johnson, with neither party emerging from the battle as the clear winner.
Dan Burn did get away with one, though, when he played Lucas Bergvall onside and then missed his cross, but Richarlison failed to tap it home and Spurs did get some joy down his flank.
Joe Willock – 8
Joe Willock’s best showing for quite some time in midfield. This was an energetic, hard-working and effective display, with good, strong running on the ball and determined tracking back. Added a cherry on top with an accurate cross for Woltemade to head home.
Sandro Tonali – 8.5
Like Schar, Sandro Tonali returned to the starting XI and instantly made an impact. It was his fantastic corner that set up the opener and then an incredible clipped ball into the box should have set up a second. At the other end, he was essential in helping Krafth deal with Spence and cutting out Spurs counters before they even happened.
Jacob Ramsey – 6
Started brightly with a jinking run in the box that nearly resulted in a goal and was neat on the ball, but faded a little bit against Spurs’ combative midfield and was a little lightweight in the battle. Can be forgiven, though, given he’s still not played an awful lot of football this season yet.
Anthony Elanga – 6
Had a point to prove after losing his spot in league games recently and showed his threat, with his lightning pace down the right, worrying the Spurs back line, and he pressed really well. Little end product, though.
Nick Woltemade – 8.5
A game does not go by without Woltemade taking your breath away. He is the most fun player to watch in the country at present. The moment in question is not even his effortlessly cool header to double the lead, but a remarkable piece of close control on the turn that sent two Spurs defenders to the cleaners.
What a player.
Harvey Barnes – 7
Harvey Barnes is another wide player who was hoping to play himself into a regular starting spot but probably didn’t quite do enough. He hit the side netting when you would have bet the house on him scoring and then hit the bar with an acrobatic effort. Not the result he would have wanted but always dangerous.
Substitutes
Kieran Trippier – 5
Booked for a late challenge.
William Osula – 4
Put himself about but the ball didn’t fall for him.
Joelinton – 4
Needlessly got involved in handbags when the game was well won. Might have been given a red on another day.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
Was only on for 10 minutes yet still managed to play some nice through balls.
Anthony Gordon – N/A
Came on with a couple of minutes to go.
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