Newcastle United are sending a loud and clear message this season: they are serious about ending a 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
In Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash, Eddie Howe didn’t hold back, naming a squad brimming with England and Brazil internationals to underline that every fixture matters.
With a crowd of 51,706 fans cheering them on, the Magpies made sure their intentions were impossible to miss.
Strong Squad, Strong Performance
Howe’s starting XI arguably outshone the side that drew at Bournemouth in the Premier League just days earlier.
Newcastle’s performance matched the strength on paper, as Joelinton and William Osula each scored twice, ensuring a convincing passage to the Carabao Cup last 16.
Only three more hurdles stand between Howe’s men and Wembley glory, a prize that is deeply coveted by players and supporters alike.
The memory of last season’s thrilling final against Liverpool and the ensuing parade in front of 250,000 fans still lingers, a reminder of the excitement and significance this trophy holds.
Even with a team stacked with 148 senior international caps, a hint of nerves was detectable early on, showing just how seriously the squad takes the competition.
A Confidence Boost After a Rocky Start
Newcastle have had to navigate a tricky start to the season, especially following Alexander Isak’s drawn-out departure over the summer.
One win and only three goals from five league games made a strong Carabao Cup showing even more important.
Several starters from this match are expected to feature against Arsenal on Sunday, giving the team a timely confidence boost.
William Osula, in particular, emerged as a key figure. The young Danish striker, second-choice after a failed deadline-day move to Frankfurt and with Yoane Wissa sidelined, needed a strong performance to reaffirm his belief.
His first goal came just 19 minutes in, a crisp finish set up by Bruno Guimaraes, and he wrapped up the scoring four minutes from time with a poacher’s instinct at the far post.
Defence Showing the Future of Newcastle
While Osula represented the potential of the squad’s future, the centre-back pairing of Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman was a glimpse of Newcastle’s defensive backbone for years to come.
The duo, valued at £70 million collectively, paired for the first time and were imperious for most of the match.
Only a late strike from Bradford veteran and Newcastle fan Andy Cook spoiled what would have been their fifth clean sheet of the season.
Joelinton, the captain, also impressed, scoring his second goal in the 75th minute after a precise pass from Guimaraes.
That he played the full 90 minutes despite not featuring in the recent Premier League match speaks volumes about the club’s commitment to the Carabao Cup this season.
With a 70-year drought looming over them, Newcastle are determined to make every opportunity count and lift silverware come March.