Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United sure knows when to go in for the kill.
With a 2-0 lead from the first leg in north London, Newcastle could have parked the bus.
Instead, they went for the jugular, tearing Arsenal apart with relentless pressing to seal a 4-0 aggregate win at St James’ Park on 5 February and book their spot in the League Cup final.
From the first whistle, their relentless press rattled Arsenal’s defence, forcing uncharacteristic mistakes from Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Declan Rice.
“We wanted to get pressure on them (William Saliba and Gabriel) and in order to do that we had to get bodies in the right areas and press high – that is how we decided to do it,” Howe told Sky Sports.
“We were playing against elite players and one mistake can make things difficult. We had to be ourselves, be on the front foot.”
Despite minimal preparation time, Newcastle looked sharper and hungrier.
Howe credited their Champions League experience for the team’s ability to adapt quickly.
Howe said the planning for the game had only started on Monday, but that his side’s Champions League experience last season meant the players could quickly adapt.
“The Champions League experience really helped us because that got us working with two-day turnarounds,” he said.
“We can tweak things depending on the opposition and you could see today the change in our performance.”
Howe took Newcastle to the League Cup final two years ago, only to fall short.
The club’s 70-year wait for a major trophy continues.
This time, they look stronger and more prepared.
“The first appearance there was a bit unexpected, but the club we want to be we have to be there regularly, so it’s not a surprise,” said Howe.
“We are there on merit, our run has not been easy this year, we’ve faced four Premier League teams, so we have done the hard yards. Hopefully we can learn from the last experience and improve our performance.”
Newcastle fans now await the outcome of Tottenham’s clash with Liverpool.
Spurs hold a narrow 1-0 lead heading into Anfield, and the Toon Army will be hoping they can hold on.
Whoever they face, Newcastle’s message is clear: They’re not just there to take part.
They’re there to win.
MAIN PHOTO: REUTERS