🎧Newcastle 'know the importance' of cup success - Kellypublished at 17:57 31 October
17:57 31 October
After Wednesday's 2-0 win over Chelsea that saw Newcastle United reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, BBC Radio Newcastle spoke to defender Lloyd Kelly about what it means for the Magpies to progress in the competition.
The former Bournemouth player said: "It's huge [to continue in the competition]. When you look at the history of Newcastle, it has been a long time since the club has been able to achieve something domestically so we know the importance behind it, but at the same time we are not getting too ahead of ourselves.
"We're keeping focused, doing what we need to do and of course when that game comes we'll be ready for it."
Kelly was asked about facing Arsenal at home in the Premier League on Saturday and he said: "We need to make sure that we are on our best game and focused and ready because we know what they bring.
"It's going to be another tough game but we will prepare right and give our best and see what happens."
Is Botman the key miss?published at 12:02 31 October
12:02 31 October
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Newcastle have been heavily reliant on Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak to get them goals in recent seasons.
Isak would usually play in the Premier League and Wilson went on a run of games in cup competitions. But I think the reason they have struggled to kick on this season is because of the absence of Sven Botman. It has really impacted the back line.
Prior to him getting injured last season they had a strong defence and a settled back five - if you include goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined and with everything that went on with Kieran Trippier a few months ago, they are a bit disjointed.
The defence has been the foundation of this club in recent years and it is what Eddie Howe has implemented. A settled back line is something to build on and Howe had that in place quite early so they did not concede many goals.
But they have lost those defensive foundations a little bit, plus they did not bring anyone in to freshen the squad in the summer so the squad depth is not really there to help them when they are depleted through injuries.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea- the fans' verdictpublished at 09:38 31 October
09:38 31 October
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We asked for your views on Wednesday's EFL Cup match between Newcastle and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Geoff: Much needed win which we deserved. However some woeful finishing and wasted chances made it seem harder. Still lacking scorers. Sometimes tonight we were through on goal but incredibly missed the target. However a good win which should stand us in good stead for the season.
Mark: More like it from Newcastle. Good energy early on and great game management in the second half. Strong performances throughout and the Tonali-Longstaff midfield added solidity. Subs well timed to close out a faltering Chelsea comeback.
BC: A welcome victory but hardly a convincing performance. If you were awarded points for poor passing and lack of control we’d be world champions.
Chelsea fans
Stu: Maresca absolutely disrespected this competition, fielding a completely different first 11. This 'B' team is fine for beating European minnows in the Conference League but not a strong team like Newcastle. One sub made, Palmer left on the bench when we needed a goal. Disasi, Badiashille and Fernandez aren't fit to wear the shirt.
John: That wasn't a bad team we put out, just because Badiashille and Disasi played poorly doesn't excuse the fact our squad should allow games like this. We dominated the stats and Felix should have scored. Newcastle had one good chance second half but we played most of the second half in their half. The first goal was embarrassing - kick the ball out if unsure.
Adrian: Complete and utter dismal defensive display. There was no desire to win any loose balls and we didn't close the opposition down when attacking. If Chelsea want to win any silverware we've got to be more defensively minded.
'Delighted with the contribution from the whole squad'published at 23:10 30 October
23:10 30 October
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
"Really good performance tonight, especially in the first half. We got our pressing attitude bang on and got a lot of regains high up the pitch, which is where the first goal came from. Delighted with the contribution from the whole squad."
On learning from Sunday's match against Chelsea: "You always learn from every game and try to put things into practice in the next match. Playing the same opponent yes, but a very different team, I'm sure they also took things from Sunday for tonight.
"I just felt there was a better feel in our out of possession delivery tonight. We were much better on the details and turning the regains into chances going forwards.
"Second half it wasn't an easy game to manage. They were bringing on some good players from the bench to add to the quality they already had on the pitch but I thought we defended really well."
On making changes with a quick turnaround: "You have the game on the horizon, so that is what you are looking at. Two days to recover before another one, so we will have to wait and find out if we managed it well.
"We also wanted to look after one or two players who we thought needed protection, some players deserved to play and stake their claim for more regular time and they did their chances no harm."
On the draw: "Copy and paste in terms of what I say each time. I want a home draw because this place is an amazing venue to play in and that was shown again tonight.
"Sold out, great atmosphere, good performance and I hope everyone feels a bit better about themselves now."
Carabao Cup quarter-final draw - who is your team facing?published at 22:46 30 October
22:46 30 October
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The draw has been made for the Carabao Cup quarter finals, with eight Premier League clubs having made it through.
For the first time in 14 years it is an all Premier League quarter-final line-up, with ties including Tottenham hosting Manchester United and holders Liverpooltravelling to Southampton.
Matches are scheduled to take place the week commencing 17 December.
'Really positive night for Newcastle'published at 22:34 30 October
22:34 30 October
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Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Good performance from Newcastle, who did the damage to Chelsea in the first half.
"The energy, the pressing, it was back to what these fans have gotten used to seeing under Eddie Howe.
"They had to defend in the second half, Chelsea missed a few really big chances, which helped. A win, the clean sheet, into the quarter-finals. A really positive night for Newcastle."
Howe is 'Newcastle for the long-term' - Givenpublished at 10:50 30 October
10:50 30 October
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Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given believes manager Eddie Howe is "the right person" to be in charge at Newcastle, and that he and his players would become "heroes" if they were to win silverware with the club.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea, Given spoke about the pressure Eddie Howe is under.
"Every Premier League manager is under pressure after a couple of bad results," he said.
"But, I don't think Eddie comes under that bracket, I really don't - I think he is Newcastle for the long-term.
"I think the owners have a lot of time and respect for Eddie. It was a frustrating summer and Eddie maybe didn't get the players that he wanted in the transfer window and that's been a frustration for fans and anyone connected to the club.
"He hasn't had the supply, Guehi was probably the big one in the summer - he really wanted him in, but couldn't get the deal done. I thought they should have a plan B in place, but they didn't.
"It's just frustrating this season because you roll back 12 months and there was Champions League football in Paris, Dortmund and Milan and now they're mid table.
"I don't think it's time for panic, with Eddie at the helm we've got the right person, he just needs to get back to winning ways and the club will be fine."
Given believes tonight's game with Chelsea is "a huge game" for the club.
He added: "They need to be really focused on the cup competitions, obviously there's no chance of winning the league this season.
"The cup competitions, especially tonight at home under the lights, the place will be absolutely rocking - they have to use the crowd and atmosphere.
"This group of players know silverware is the aim, if Eddie Howe and his team can do that, they'll be heroes for a long time."
'Stale' Magpies have 'stagnated' but 'loyalty' remainspublished at 08:13 30 October
08:13 30 October
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We asked for your views on whether cracks are appearing among the Newcastle United fanbase after a tricky run of form.
Here are some of your comments:
Andrew: Not in the slightest! This is a long-term project. The players are fully committed, the manager wasn’t interested in leaving for the England Job, and the fans still continue to create the best stadium atmosphere. Yes, we have had some tough games and not got up to speed too much, but the Chelsea performance was really good. January recruitment is key!
George: It was evident that, while other teams improved, Newcastle's management completely capitulated this summer. They failed the club after bringing in no new signings. Every other club has improved but Newcastle has totally stagnated. We essentially have one reliable striker but we wanted to spend £80m on a bang average centre-back?
Cliff: Newcastle are still in a state of transition, from being a mediocre team under the Mike Ashley regime to becoming a top club. The loyalty of the hardened supporters will never waiver. The money rules have stifled the team's progress so far but, under Howe and the backroom staff, we will get there. The true support will move with them.
Jeff: The playing style is getting a bit stale now. The attacking play appears to be too predictable for the opponents and they cannot just rely on Bruno Guimaraes to be the sole creative spark.
Christopher: My thoughts are that firstly we should not be blaming the manager. We have had zero outlay now for two transfer windows and we have also lost two promising young players. Mistakes have been made - Almiron, and certainly Wilson, needed to be moved on months ago. The Marc Guehi saga dragged on for far too long. However, the players need to step up. I believe in Howe.
Geoff: It is mainly the fair-weather fans, that only turned up when the Saudi money did, making the noise. The loyal fans, who weathered the Mike Ashley years, know what being patient is all about.
Gossip: Newcastle eye January move for Mbeumopublished at 07:41 30 October
Newcastle sign Georgian teenager Saliapublished at 17:13 29 October
17:13 29 October
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Newcastle United have agreed a deal for teenage Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi and he will join the Premier League club when he turns 18 in August 2025.
Salia has represented his country at under-21 level.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell said: "Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.
"We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future."
Are 'cracks' appearing in Newcastle fanbase?published at 17:01 29 October
17:01 29 October
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Our fan writer Charlotte Robson says "cracks are appearing in the fanbase" at Newcastle given the recent form.
Do you sense this? What's angering you if so? Or is it time to just dig in and make steady progress?
Howe responds to criticism of Tonali substitutionspublished at 14:08 29 October
14:08 29 October
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Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle United fans to leave their complaints about his decisions until after the match, as doing so "in the moment" can be disruptive to the team.
The Newcastle boss was asked by the media about Sandro Tonali, who has been substituted off in Newcastle's past two matches against Brighton and Chelsea. Those decisions were met by boos in the stadium from a section of Newcastle supporters.
"Firstly, I love that the supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as I do," Howe said in Tuesday's news conference.
"The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations towards me are reflected after the match, rather than in the moment. That makes it difficult for the players coming onto the pitch. Not that it should affect their performance, but it creates an element of doubt.
"The difficult decision I have in midfield is having three outstanding players starting the game. When you're losing, you try to make changes that you feel can help, without leaving it too late as well. There's a feeling when you give a player 10 minutes, they don't really get into the game and find their rhythm. It's a delicate balance.
"To do that, I have to take a wide player off or a midfield player off, or both. I am a manager that likes to make early changes. I have experience and history behind that.
"When you look at our team, it's a difficult decision. Ultimately, I've judged it off goals and creativity and trying to get as many of them [attacking] players in the team as I can.
"Looking at the team, I don't see anything that's drastically wrong. I think the confidence may be beginning to be an issue. We had a few positional issues on Sunday which we will discuss with the players."
'Cracks are appearing in the fanbase'published at 11:59 29 October
11:59 29 October
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
I am quite a positive person, I think.
I definitely manage to irritate the people around me by trying to look on the sunny side of most situations, and so here I am, quill in hand, trying to look on the sunny side of a weekend where we were beaten by Chelsea, have to play them again in about 10 minutes, and have Arsenal at home in the league after that. Not easy! Not. Easy.
I look at social media to get some reasoned, level-headed responses to what happened to Newcastle at the weekend. No dice. Maybe the comment section of YouTube videos that we make, and our peers make? Absolutely not.
In August, I wrote my concerns (and hopes!) for the season. I said that if results do not go our way as we get into the new year, I hope that we all remain calm. What I was worried about is already happening - cracks are appearing in the fanbase, and more people are wondering what is going on.
As I write, Newcastle are 12th in the league. When we were giddy in pre-season about the prospects of having a squad not half out with injury, and fewer fixtures so more time to focus on things like the cups, not one person was expecting us to be 12th at this point in the season, with no wins in five. I certainly was not.
So here is some positivity; the season is still quite young. We are still in the League Cup. We did not, for many reasons, invest properly in improving the first team for two windows. There is still so much to play for and it cannot be done without unity.
I am not asking for blind support - as I said last week, valid questions have come about as a result of the tricky start we have had - but it is so important to back the team.
We have been through a lot worse than this and I am choosing to believe it will get better. For now.
Howe on Gordon's injury, Tonali and set-piecespublished at 11:12 29 October
11:12 29 October
Josh Lobley BBC Sport Researcher
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup game against Chelsea (kick-off 19:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe confirmed Anthony Gordon picked up an injury in training on Friday: "He has been for a scan, we are hopeful the injury isn't serious, let's see how he is today. There is a chance he [could play this week], but we have to make the right decision."
When asked about the negative reaction from some fans when Sandro Tonali has been substituted off in the past two matches: "I love that the supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as I do. The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations are reflected after the match, rather than in the moment. It creates an element of doubt."
On the importance of the League Cup: "It has been an important competition for us since we have been here and that has not changed. We will pick a team to win the game. Chelsea are a difficult opponent, I am sure they will make changes, but with those changes they will still be a very strong team. We are desperate to progress."
When asked if Lewis Miley is in his plans for Wednesday's match: "We have to be really careful with Lewis, we need to manage him right. He's trained well, no problem with his training performances. I will be taking guidance by the experts to make sure we don't push him too quickly."
Howe was asked why Newcastle are struggling to score from corners this season: "I think we've had a lot of chances. I hate to use xG, but our xG from set plays isn't too bad. It's competitive, we should have scored at least one. We are missing a few key corner takers, and missing a bit of the height and strength we've had previously. We will have to evolve again."
On Chelsea: "This is one game where they could make wholesale changes or one or two changes, we don't know what they will do. We need to plan for what we will do, we know there are certain aspects of our performance that we need to get right to win and that will be our focus."
On the January transfer window: "My part in that will probably take prominence towards the end of November. There is probably a lot of work going on behind the scenes that I'm not a part of, but I will begin to get involved."
'Opposition managers don't sleep on them anymore'published at 09:59 29 October
09:59 29 October
Media caption,
There is "no complacency" when opposition managers prepare to face Newcastle United anymore, according to the i's chief football writer Daniel Storey.
"After that season of significant overachievement Eddie Howe had when he came in, opposition managers don't sleep on Newcastle United anymore," Storey said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"There is no complacency when you face them. There is no taking anything for granted. It isn't that everyone looks at those games as cup finals, but people are more up for it now than they were in that first season."
Newcastle United centre-back Dan Burn added: "I agree with that. I think the season where we got to the Champions League was a surprise, with the total change in the way we played the season before.
"Once teams have played against you once or twice, they can obviously change the way they play. The thing is that you have got to constantly evolve the way you are playing - you can't really stand still in this game.
"You can't just keep rolling out the same thing constantly or else teams will sort of find out what you're about."
'I think we will be flying' - Burnpublished at 08:45 29 October
08:45 29 October
Media caption,
Newcastle United centre-back Dan Burn says the Magpies are yet to put in a "complete performance" this season.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Burn said: "Since the gaffer has come in, we have had a style of play that we go for and it has worked well for us. We just probably haven't had that complete performance yet this season.
"I think we have been good in spells, which is a positive. Once we do put a complete performance together, I think we will be flying.
"The table is tight. We don't want to be in the position we are in now and I think takes you up to eighth or something, so I don't think anyone should be reading too much into that.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:52 28 October
11:52 28 October
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Here are some of your comments:
Chelsea fans
Hector: This is the sort of game Chelsea would have lost last season. I think that alone is a huge step in the right direction. Not so admirable though is our shaky and porous defence, with an error prone Sanchez who kicked the ball straight out of play five times in a row whilst trying to pass to his team-mates. Djordje Petrovic to return in January? Cole Palmer was man of the match, again!
Nick: A strong, competent and professional performance from the team, with Cole Palmer once again putting in a stunning performance.
JB: Our forward play is looking better and the players look like they know the system. However, we still look shaky defending. Lavia played well, keeping Fernandez on the bench, and we lost his power when he was taken off. Fernandez is not the answer for us. My biggest concern is Sanchez though. We got away with it but against very good teams we will lose.
Tom: I'm not happy with Sanchez in goal at all. Every time he got the ball, he either booted it out of play or it never reached a player in our colour. He looks nervous and that nervousness progresses through the team. In the second half, our wingers stopped attacking, but Neto and Madueke were so positive earlier on!
Newcastle fans
Chris: Nick Pope needs to dive rather than spreading himself all the time. Someone of his size should be catching every cross, rather than punching it. One point was deserved from this game as we were just too sloppy with our passes. We need more work from our forwards because we are not pressing enough.
Bluey: We played well enough for at least a point. The team are arguing amongst themselves and the harmony of old is lost. There is a bit of a concern now, as we drop down the table. Mr Howe needs to sort it out otherwise he will feel the heat.
Paul: It looks like this team is losing confidence and needs a rebuild job. We have to get rid of Almiron, Murphy and Wilson. Isak and Barnes are on notice. The tactics also have to be questioned because we cannot string more than two passes together. When did we last score from a corner? What are these coaches getting paid for? Everything requires a rethink.
Richard: The fall in Trippier's form and influence has been disastrous, combined with Botman's injury. As is so often with this club, a lack of cohesion at the top infects the players on the pitch. Everything I have been talking about since we gave Liverpool a win at home last season has come true. I take no pleasure in being right! Eddie's days are sadly numbered.
Catch up on the Premier League actionpublished at 07:41 28 October
07:41 28 October
Highlights and analysis from Sunday's Four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.
