Newcastle United continued their fine cup form with a convincing 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park, a result that keeps their dream of back-to-back Carabao Cup triumphs alive.
It was a night of dominance, discipline, and emotion, as the Magpies outclassed Spurs in every department, leaving the visitors frustrated and shell-shocked. Even before the final whistle, tempers flared and emotions boiled over none more so than Tottenham’s Xavi Simons, who stormed toward the officials at half-time shouting “Wake up!” in anger at decisions that had gone against his side. But in truth, Spurs were second-best all night, undone by Newcastle’s sharpness, energy, and desire.
Club legend Andy Cole, watching on from the stands, didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, branding Tottenham’s players “schoolboys” for switching off during the moment that decided the game’s opener.
It was a costly lapse of concentration as defender Djed Spence knelt down to tie his laces right before Sandro Tonali’s corner, leaving the back line exposed. Newcastle seized on the opportunity with ruthless precision, and Fabian Schar made them pay by
rising above two defenders to power a header into the bottom corner.
The atmosphere inside St James’ Park was electric even before kick-off, with fans greeted by the sight of the Carabao Cup trophy proudly displayed in the Milburn Stand reception a reminder of the team’s triumph last season.
Eddie Howe rotated heavily, making eight changes from the side that beat Fulham, resting key names like Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon.
But any doubts about whether this reshuffled team could deliver were quickly erased. Newcastle started brightly, pressing high and creating early chances through Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey, both testing Tottenham’s defense in the opening minutes.
The first real opportunity fell to Harvey Barnes after a clever pass from Nick Woltemade set him free inside the box, but his effort went wide. Newcastle maintained the pressure, with Tonali looking sharp and dictating play from midfield.
His corners caused constant trouble for Spurs, and it was only a matter of time before one of them led to the breakthrough. On the 24th minute, Tonali’s perfectly delivered ball met Schar, who climbed highest and directed a bullet header past Antonin Kinsky.
Tottenham protested furiously, with manager Thomas Frank claiming Spence wasn’t ready, but the officials stood firm, and the goal stood.
After that opener, Newcastle took complete control of the game. Tonali, in particular, was exceptional, combining creativity with composure and setting the tempo in midfield. His link-up play with Ramsey and Willock kept Spurs on the back foot.
Just before half-time, Newcastle nearly doubled their lead when Tonali floated another teasing ball into the box. Malick Thiaw helped it along to Barnes, whose acrobatic scissor kick crashed against the bar a moment that had the home crowd gasping.
Tottenham’s frustration boiled over as they headed down the tunnel at half-time, with Xavi Simons screaming at the officials in protest. But his fury did little to spark a comeback. Only two minutes into the second half, Newcastle struck again.
Joe Willock, who had been growing in influence, delivered a beautiful cross into the box, and Nick Woltemade met it with a glancing header that sailed past Kinsky to make it 2-0. It was a composed finish from the young striker and another example of how Howe’s faith in rotation continues to pay off.
Newcastle nearly extended their lead further when Willock sent a curling effort just over the bar, but at that point, the game was already slipping away from Tottenham.
The visitors had a few half-chances Pape Sarr forced Ramsdale into a solid save, and Richarlison saw a low effort stopped by the Newcastle goalkeeper but the Magpies always looked in control.
Ramsdale, standing in for Nick Pope, was confident throughout, dealing with everything that came his way and showcasing why he is pushing hard for a more regular role.
By the final whistle, Tottenham looked dejected, and their frustrations summed up a performance where they simply couldn’t match Newcastle’s intensity or precision.
Andy Cole’s words rang true Spurs had been punished for their lack of focus, while Newcastle’s sharpness and hunger made the difference. It was another statement night at St James’ Park, one that underlined how far Eddie Howe’s side has come.
For Newcastle, this victory means more than just progression to the quarter-finals it’s a reaffirmation of their strength in depth and their belief that they can once again go all the way to Wembley.
The defending champions are just two steps away from another final, and with performances like this, there’s no reason the dream can’t become reality again. The Magpies’ journey continues, and the belief on Tyneside burns brighter than ever.
