Tottenham’s Carabao Cup run came to an underwhelming end at St James’ Park as Newcastle eased to a 2-0 victory.
Spurs have been widely lauded for their impressive away form this season, but their luck ran out on Tyneside as goals from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade on either side of half-time helped the hosts to a straightforward win.
It was far from a perfect showing for Eddie Howe’s side as Harvey Barnes missed a pair of gilt-edge chances, but they were never overly pressed by Tottenham.
The injury-hit Spurs, who travelled to the north-east with ten first-team players unavailable, were also wasteful in the tie, enjoying some impressive spells but failing to capitalise on them. Richarlison squandered chance after presentable chance, while former Arsenal ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale produced a pair of remarkable saves to keep the Geordies ahead.
Both of Newcastle’s goals were arguably the products of individual errors. Schar headed home from a corner in the first half after Spurs were left shorthanded while Djed SPence tied his shoelaces elsewhere.
Woltemade made it two after the break, heading home after Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky came out to collect a cross, but totally missed his flapping attempt at a clearance.
Spurs struggled in attack throughout the evening but grew increasingly gormless as the match clock wound down. Staring elimination in the face, Thomas Frank threw on the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani in a desperate bid to rescue their Carabao Cup campaign, but they were ineffectual.