Eddie Howe blown away by Newcastle United player against Arsenal after making bold decision

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe made some bold changes for the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

They paid off, as Newcastle United beat Arsenal 2-0 to advance to the final at Wembley in March. The Magpies will play either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool.

However, there was some surprise when Eddie Howe’s starting XI was announced. Kieran Trippier came in for Tino Livramento, while Sven Botman replaced Joelinton. That meant a change of system, with Newcastle having one less midfielder for the clash against Arsenal.

They were bold calls, but they were correct calls. Trippier was outstanding at right-back, showcasing his big-game experience to ensure Newcastle made it to Wembley.

Eddie Howe reacts to Sven Botman’s performance and injury concern

As for Botman, he played a pivotal role in a bespoke system. He joined Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the heart of defence, which initially looked like a negative approach from Howe.

But the Newcastle United manager knew he had to get the Dutchman into his team, and is hopeful that the knee issue that forced him off in the 80th minute is nothing to worry about.

“I don’t quite know what the problem was with Sven and why he had to be withdrawn,” he said.

“I think it was a knee issue and we hope he is okay. He is such an important player. He is still coming back to his best feeling and rhythm after a long-term injury, but we certainly respect his qualities.

“We felt that it was a must we got him in the team with his physicality, his strength, his ball-playing ability. Very pleased with his performance but need to check the injury and check he’s okay.”

Sven Botman gives Newcastle a selection dilemma

It would be interesting to know if Howe was always going to play this system, or if his decision was influenced by Joelinton not being available through injury.

But Botman showcased his immense class, shutting out a limp Arsenal attack that struggled to create chances. That is a testament to Botman and his fellow defenders, who did not give Kai Havertz a sniff. In truth, he was bullied.

Playing Botman allowed Fabian Schar to step out into midfield at times, and there were occasions when he was pressing Arsenal really high. It resulted in the Magpies’ second goal, as Schar forced a mistake from Declan Rice on the edge of David Raya’s box.

All three of Newcastle’s centre-backs played extremely well, but it is unlikely that they will continue to operate as a trio. Howe will be eager to revert back to his 4-3-3 system, which means that one of the centre-backs drops to the bench.

But who should it be? That is for Howe to decide, but it is certainly a difficult decision. It is even more difficult now, as players compete for a place in the Carabao Cup final team.