‘Never worried’…Eddie Howe now explains what he really thought about Newcastle playing Sunderland

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Newcastle United may have kickstarted their season once more.

After a difficult run of form to have seen Eddie Howe questioned at times, Newcastle thrashed Sunderland to progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

It is the first time Howe has reached that stage while in charge of the club and the dominant manner of the victory was delightful to see.

Still, it would be foolish to suggest there weren’t nerves heading into the game.

Newcastle have been so poor away from home all season and headed into this one having lost their last three Premier League games.

Having not beaten Sunderland since 2011, even the most optimistic of fans would surely admit there were nerves, even if Howe’s side were heavy favourites.

Defeat would have made a miserable run of form even worse but Howe admits he was “never worried” about being drawn against the Black Cats.

What Eddie Howe has now said after Newcastle beat Sunderland in the FA Cup

Indeed, speaking after the game (via Jordan Cronin of Newcastle World on X), Howe said: “It feels great [to win], I never worried about the draw I always thought it was a great draw – as long as we won it.

“We handled the occasion well, were brave with the ball and were very composed. We didn’t let the crowd take over.”

Eddie Howe: Life back in Newcastle’s season

An FA Cup run could be just what the doctor ordered this season.

Out of every other competition and facing a huge battle to get back into the Champions League qualification spots, a deep run in this tournament would be a major boost.

Clearly, there will be more difficult tests to come than playing a Championship outfit (albeit derby day made things more interesting, at least before the game), but Newcastle have already proven they can navigate cup competitions.

They’ve already beaten both Manchester clubs in the Carabao Cup, after all.

With Arsenal and Liverpool playing each other in the third round, perhaps the competition can open up a bit.

It would be a major boost to Newcastle’s season.