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Sky Sports pundit claims one Newcastle United ace is actually ‘unlucky’ in his current role

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale turned in a fine performance in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies are through to the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup as Eddie Howe looks to retain his crown.

Newcastle beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, kick-started by Fabian Schar’s header to open the scoring.

Nick Woltemade added a second after the break, booking Newcastle’s passage into the last eight.

A win and a clean sheet should delight Howe, as Newcastle end October with another victory.

Alan Smith on Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale

Woltemade will, naturally, grab the headlines once again after scoring yet another goal.

One of the top performers on the night was at the other end of the pitch, though, as Aaron Ramsdale impressed between the sticks.

Howe handed Ramsdale a chance to shine, and he certainly took it in style.

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Not only did Ramsdale offer quality on the ball, but he also made two brilliant saves in the second half.

The first saw Ramsdale make a stunning stop to deny Pape Matar Sarr, before reacting quickly to deny Richarlison shortly afterwards.

After the save from Sarr, pundit Alan Smith told Sky Sports (9:20pm) that he actually thinks Ramsdale is ‘unlucky’ to be second choice at Newcastle.

Smith believes that Ramsdale deserves to be a first-choice goalkeeper somewhere after his time at Arsenal.

Smith, a former Arsenal man himself, praised Ramsdale for a superb save as he left Sarr disappointed.

“He hasn’t had much to do at all, Ramsdale, that’s why he’ll be doubly delighted when called upon, because Sarr catches this as well as he would have wanted to – that’s fizzing into the far corner,” said Smith.

“That’s a top save. He’s unlucky, Ramsdale, not to be number one somewhere after his efforts at Arsenal,” he added.

Aaron Ramsdale offers the perfect competition for Nick Pope

Nick Pope remains Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Ramsdale stuck on the bench for now.

Ramsdale has impressed Howe in training, but his only appearances have come in the Carabao Cup.

Ramsdale simply has to take every chance he is afforded; training, cup games, anything Howe will give him.

The former Arsenal man still harbours ambitions of his own, including playing for England in the future.

Ramsdale is therefore pushing Pope every single day, offering the strong competition all clubs want between the sticks.

Pope is likely to come back in against West Ham United this weekend, but Ramsdale is the perfect player to push for first-team minutes.

Yoane Wissa makes surprise appearance after Newcastle United ease past Spurs

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Newcastle United continue to shine in the absence of Yoane Wissa, as they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Despite not having their number nine yet again, Newcastle United beat Spurs to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. The Magpies are into the final eight of the competition, with fans believing there is a genuine chance of defending the Carabao Cup.

For Yoane Wissa, he once again had to watch on as his teammates thrived without him. His injury layoff continues, with Wissa not set to return against West Ham either. Brentford away on November 9th could be when supporters see the striker make his Toon debut, but even that is not guaranteed.

While Wissa will be desperate to make his first Newcastle United appearance, he was at least involved in some capacity on Wednesday night.

Yoane Wissa joins Newcastle United dressing room celebrations

Newcastle United’s win over Spurs was followed by the traditional dressing room photo.

The entire Newcastle United squad and staff huddled together for a picture, as is customary after every Toon victory.

It was the Magpies’ seventh team photo of the season, but the first to include Yoane Wissa.

Despite still not being over his injury, the DR Congo international was with the rest of the group celebrating the win over Spurs. He can be seen on the far left of the team photo, right next to player of the match Sandro Tonali.

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There was also an appearance from sporting director Ross Wilson, who is becoming a familiar face since his arrival from Nottingham Forest.

It is great to see Wissa involved. While he has not played yet, he is still part of the squad. He needs to feel like he belongs, especially after such a turbulent summer followed by a frustrating knee injury.

Two more Newcastle United squad players spotted

Wissa was not the only Newcastle United player not in the matchday squad to take part in the dressing room photo.

There were also appearances from Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy, neither of which were on the bench for the win against Tottenham Hotspur.

It was Aaron Ramsdale who started in goal for the Magpies, keeping his first Toon clean sheet on just his second appearance for the club. Ramsdale played incredibly well, much to the delight of Eddie Howe.

Eddie Howe’s honest comments on Nick Woltemade should really excite Newcastle United fans

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Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade added another goal to his tally by scoring against Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United have teed up a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham after beating Tottenham Hotspur.

Eddie Howe watched on as the Magpies claimed an impressive 2-0 victory over Thomas Frank’s Spurs.

Fabian Schar headed Newcastle in front before Nick Woltemade added a second after the break.

Newcastle saw out the game to claim another clean sheet and move another step closer to retaining the Carabao Cup.

Woltemade may have been kept quiet against Fulham on Saturday, but you can’t keep him off the scoresheet for long.

The German beat Antonin Kinsky to the ball to head Newcastle 2-0 up and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Howe spoke about Woltemade after the final whistle, telling Sky Sports that the striker has been open to learning since joining Newcastle.

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Howe noted that Woltemade has ‘unique’ skills and Newcastle are looking to develop them, especially as he is a forward who loves to drop deep and pick up the ball.

The Toon boss also made an honest admission, stating that he and his Newcastle coaching team are actually still ‘figuring out’ how to use Woltemade to the best of his abilities.

“I think, firstly, his attitude… he’s come in very open, very open to new ideas, very open to delivering what we need him to do, so he’s absorbed all the information we’ve given him, and he’s been very good tactically, I have to say,” said Howe.

“That has enabled us to play in the way we want to, and once you get that framework, then you can develop his skills, and he’s got unique ones.

“When you’ve got someone that good technically, you want them to get the ball at their feet in attacking areas, and I think that’s the key thing. We don’t want to take him too far away from the goal, by dropping him too deep, but we want him to showcase his creative talents at the same time, so we’re still figuring out the best ways to use him, but hopefully, we’re on the right path,” he added.

Eddie Howe will leave Newcastle United fans excited about Nick Woltemade’s future

Woltemade is already a Newcastle fan favourite after a sensational start to his life at St James’ Park.

The giant forward arrived as Alexander Isak’s replacement, but few are even talking about the Swede now.

Woltemade is the new striking hero on Tyneside, but it sounds like there is much, much more to come.

If this is how Woltemade performs while Howe is still learning about his new striker, then we can only imagine what the coming months and years will look like.

That should excite Newcastle fans all over the world, with Woltemade potentially able to reach new levels in his game on Tyneside.

Nick Woltemade has just one word to describe Sandro Tonali after Newcastle beat Spurs

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Sandro Tonali was at it again as Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The midfielder returned to Eddie Howe’s starting XI after two games on the bench through illness, and it was like he had never been away.

The 25-year-old was the best player in black and white during Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Spurs, as they booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals against Fulham.

It was another inspired performance from Sandro Tonali, who picked up the player of the match award for his efforts.

He was outstanding, much to the delight of Nick Woltemade and other members of the Newcastle United squad.

Nick Woltemade hails ‘quality’ Sandro Tonali as others react

After Newcastle United advanced in the Carabao Cup, Tonali took to his official Instagram account to deliver a message to supporters.

Alongside pictures of himself in action against Spurs, the Italy international simply wrote: “This is NUFC!”

While Tonali’s words are nothing to get excited about, his teammates used it as an opportunity to shower him with praise.

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The first was Nick Woltemade, who commented ‘quality’ in response to Tonali’s post.

Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes also responded to Tonali’s Instagram message. They both commented: “Maestro.”

Malick Thiaw was particularly blown away by his performance, adding: “Mamma mia.”

The defender was seriously impressed with Tonali, or he was just naming his favourite ABBA hit…

Sandro Tonali leads by example after recent Newcastle United snub

The Newcastle United squad recently added a new player to their leadership group following the departure of Callum Wilson.

Tonali was in the mix, but it was Nick Pope who won the vote from the Toon players. He joins Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Jacob Murphy and Jamaal Lascelles.

That will not have concerned Tonali, who can be a leader for the Magpies regardless of whether he is in a group.

He was exactly that on Wednesday, proving to be a talismanic figure in the Carabao Cup tie against Spurs. Tonali dominated the game, constantly taking responsibility in and out of possession on a night that saw superstars Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon start on the bench.

It was another ridiculously good performance from Newcastle’s number eight, who did provide an injury scare in the final few minutes. He appeared to be in some discomfort, which was worrying given his importance.

Aaron Ramsdale has shown the perfect attitude since signing for Newcastle United

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale turned in a strong performance to help secure a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Fulham await Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals as Eddie Howe chases more silverware.

Newcastle beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Wednesday night, as Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade both found the net.

Thomas Frank wasn’t happy with Newcastle’s opener, but none of that matters now as the Magpies move a step closer to another Wembley final.

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale

Schar and Woltemade will grab the headlines after finding the net, but Newcastle also had Aaron Ramsdale to thank.

The goalkeeper came in for Nick Pope and produced two moments of real quality in the second half.

Ramsdale made a flying save to deny Pape Matar Sarr, before making a sharp save to keep out a Richarlison effort.

This was Ramsdale’s second appearance of the season, with both games coming in the Carabao Cup.

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Ramsdale is taking his chance in the cup, and Howe has praised the goalkeeper’s performance.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the final whistle, Howe hailed Ramsdale for stepping up with ‘really, really good saves’ to keep Tottenham at bay.

Howe added that Ramsdale commanded his penalty area well and showed strong distribution with the ball at his feet.

Ramsdale’s attitude has been ‘first class’ according to Howe, with the goalkeeper showing real enthusiasm despite being stuck on the bench in the Premier League.

“Tottenham had their moments,” said Howe.

“I thought it was an even game in some respects; they attacked well and gave us problems, but Aaron, when needed, made a number of really, really good saves.

“He controlled his area really well, and I think the added thing with him is that his distribution is very good, too. It was a very good night for him. I’m delighted for him personally, because, since he’s come to the club, his attitude every day has been first class. There has not been a moment where his enthusiasm has dropped, I think he’s delighted to be here, he wants to play for the club, and that was a great game for him,” he added.

Aaron Ramsdale will have loved beating Tottenham Hotspur

Ramsdale is on loan at Newcastle from Southampton, but he will still hold his time at Arsenal close to his heart.

The 27-year-old spent three years at Arsenal and certainly loved his time in North London.

Beyond Tottenham being Arsenal’s rivals, some Newcastle fans may remember that Ramsdale was at the centre of an incident with a Spurs fan in 2023.

A Tottenham supporter ran onto the pitch and attempted to kick Ramsdale after a 2-0 Arsenal win in a North London derby.

Ramsdale may have left Arsenal more than a year ago, but beating Spurs will always be sweet for him – especially as he looks to stake a claim for a long-term Newcastle future.

Missed Bruno Guimaraes moment left Newcastle United fans in stitches against Tottenham

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Newcastle United fans were left celebrating another Carabao Cup victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, while Bruno Guimaraes gave them something to laugh about, too.

It was yet another Carabao Cup victory for Newcastle United, who haven’t lost in the competition since their final defeat to Manchester United in 2023.

Eddie Howe has only lost two games in the tournament since taking charge of Newcastle, who have gone a step closer to retaining a trophy for the first time since 1952.

Fabian Schar’s controversial opener, which drew complaints from Thomas Frank, got the ball rolling in a dominant performance.

Nick Woltemade nabbed a casually excellent header of his own just after the break to ensure Newcastle cruised past Tottenham and set up a quarter-final with Fulham.

There was also a subtle moment of hilarity from Bruno Guimaraes that was spotted by some supporters after the referee got in the way of a Spurs star.

Bruno Guimaraes gives a hilarious reaction to referee intervention vs Spurs

It looked like it was going to be a rare night off for Captain Fantastic Guimaraes, but Howe brought him on with less than 10 minutes remaining to help see the game out.

Though Spurs were well and truly beaten, there was still a bit of life left in them as they peppered the impressive Aaron Ramsdale’s goal and tried to go forward.

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Substitute Randal Kolo Muani was one player working to turn things around and the French striker went on a mazy run up through the middle of the park, only for referee Chris Kavanagh to get in the way.

It looked as if Muani was about to pull the trigger when the ball hit Kavanagh’s heel as he desperately tried to avoid the ball, leaving the forward understandably frustrated.

Guimaraes, however, was delighted with the expertly timed defensive intervention and applauded Kavanagh for his contribution with a beaming smile across his face, something that cracked up supporters.

“So the ref unintentionally blocked Kolo Muani’s enthusiastic drive towards Newcastle goal area, and it’s Guimaraes applauding and laughing,” @iam_erny posted on X, formerly Twitter.

@Elnenyesta posted, along with several cry laughing emojis: Bruno Guimaraes clapping for the ref stopping the ball.”

Eddie Howe displays new-found squad depth in Tottenham win

One of Newcastle’s biggest complaints last season was that, beyond the quality starting XI, there was a lack of real quality in depth in the squad. That’s no longer the case.

Howe made a massive eight changes for the visit of Spurs, yet his starting XI was still a very strong one that would not have raised any eyebrows outside of the Toon if it were named for a Premier League match.

One England goalkeeper replaced another with Ramsdale coming in for Nick Pope, £210m worth of players came in in the shapes of Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Elanga, and Joe Willock and veterans like Schar and Emil Krafth showed they are still capable when called upon.

With Yoane Wissa, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall still to come back as well, Newcastle suddenly have a very good squad that can comfortably win games and play at the same rhythm despite multiple changes.

That can only serve them well as they look to improve in the league and Europe this season.

Les Ferdinand tells Tottenham players what they need to hear after Newcastle United complaints

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Les Ferdinand had a foot in both camps for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham and still found some of the Spurs complaints somewhat ridiculous.

On Wednesday night, Newcastle United beat Tottenham 2-0 to progress into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Holders Newcastle now have a return to Wembley in their sights following a third victory in little over a week at St James’ Park.

Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade scored the goals to send Eddie Howe’s side on their way. Howe made a series of changes to his side for the game and still found a way past Premier League opposition.

Aaron Ramsdale made some key saves but, by and large, Newcastle navigated a tricky game well on Wednesday night.

Spurs were unhappy and Ferdinand – who played for both clubs during his illustrious career – can’t understand why.

Les Ferdinand slams Tottenham for complaining about Fabian Schar’s goal

Schar headed Newcastle into the lead from a Sandro Tonali corner in the 24th minute.

Many of the Spurs players, however, were unhappy. Indeed, Djed Spence lost his boot when blocking an Anthony Elanga cross, which ultimately led to the ball going out of play for the subsequent corner.

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Spence then took an age getting his boots back on and getting back into something approaching his position. Some of his Spurs teammates were calling for the corner to be delayed to allow Spence time and Richarlison was among those fuming after Schar’s goal went in.

Still, Ferdinand slammed that reaction. It’s not Newcastle’s job to wait for Spence to sort himself out, after all.

He told ITV Sport: “You can see [Pedro] Porro’s got his hand in the air to try and get the referee’s attention. Go and stand on the ball and walk back from it slowly.

“The referee might come over to you and say, ‘Get away from the ball’. Walk away slowly.

“You can’t do that [what Spence did] and expect the referee to stop and say, ‘No, he’s putting his boot back on.’”

Another former Toon forward in Andy Cole agreed with Ferdinand’s sentiments.

Ruthless Newcastle United make Tottenham pay

Spurs brought that on themselves and, from a Newcastle perspective, it was brilliant to see them punished.

Newcastle’s set-piece struggles were a theme of the early part of the season but that was ruthlessly executed.

Some rather poor defending helped them but take nothing away from Schar’s header, as well as Tonali’s delivery.

Thomas Frank’s Newcastle United goal complaints are pointless as Mark Clattenburg lays down the law

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Thomas Frank has complained about Newcastle United’s opening goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, but his arguments hold little weight.

Newcastle United stormed on in their defence of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, cruising to a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and setting up a quarter-final against Fulham at St. James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side were by far the better team, as they pressed aggressively and played some lovely passing football.

They deservedly took the lead through Fabian Schar’s opening header before Nick Woltemade scored one of his own just after the break.

However, the opening goal was not without controversy as Tottenham’s players were furious with referee Chris Kavanagh for allowing Sandro Tonali’s corner to be taken.

Full-back Djed Spence had just finished tying his shoelaces and was taking his position to defend the corner when Tonali swung it in.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank believes the goal should not have stood.

Thomas Frank complains about Fabian Schar goal against Tottenham

Richarlison was booked for dissent during his remonstrations with the referee after the goal and Frank continued the argument in his post-match press conference.

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The manager said: “I think we conceded two goals where it was two mistakes.

“I think the first was a mistake from Chris, the ref, because he didn’t allow Djed time to come back in, which he clearly should have done, and on top of that, he’s supposed to mark Schar, who scored, so I think that was the first mistake.

“It’s very, very rare I comment on any decision, but this, we need to comment because it’s common sense.

“It’s not the 88th minute, he’s not doing anything inappropriate, he’s doing his laces, clearly it’s gone off the boot.”

Mark Clattenburg says Tottenham can’t complain about Newcastle’s goal

However, Frank’s complaints have fallen on deaf ears with Mark Clattenburg.

Speaking exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys, former referee Clattenburg made it clear that Frank does not have a leg to stand on when complaining about the goal.

Clattenburg said: “Tottenham and Djed Spence cannot have any complaints about the former trying to delay the corner by tying his laces on his boots.

“The referee does not have to delay the game for this, and therefore, the resulting goal is acceptable.”

When Howe was asked about the incident after the game by Sky Sports, he claimed not to have seen it.

Even if the goal had been disallowed, it’s hard to see the result being any different.

Though the impressive Aaron Ramsdale was forced into a couple of smart, low stops late on, Newcastle were the team in the ascendency in the first half and a goal was destined to come, even if Schar’s was chalked off.

Newcastle United draw Carabao Cup quarter-final opponents after defeating Tottenham

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Newcastle United have learned their Carabao Cup quarter-final opponents after defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

After smashing Bradford City in the last round, Newcastle United faced their first real test of their Carabao Cup defence on Wednesday but passed with flying colours.

Eddie Howe’s side started strongly and took a deserved lead through Fabian Schar’s header at a corner.

The Toon doubled their lead just after the break when Nick Woltemade capped off a great display by casually nodding into the net.

That ensured safe passage to the next round, and Newcastle now know who they will face.

Newcastle discover their next Carabao Cup opponents in draw

Newcastle have been drawn against fellow Premier League side Fulham, who they defeated there just last weekend, in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The game will take place at St. James’ Park and be held on the week commencing December 15.

Howe has now won 15 of his 17 Carabao Cup fixtures in charge of Newcastle and his side are now one step closer to retaining their trophy.

Carabao Cup quarter-final round draw in full

Here is the full Carabao Cup quarter-final draw:

Five things learned from Newcastle United 2-0 Tottenham as Fabian Schar sends statement

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Newcastle United continued their defence of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

A rotated Newcastle United beat Tottenham 2-0 to progress into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals to cap off a brilliant week at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side have beaten Benfica, Fulham and Spurs on Tyneside to raise morale after a testing start to the campaign.

Optimism is high at Newcastle United and here are five things Geordie Boot Boys learned from the win over Spurs.

Sandro Tonali answers fitness questions for Newcastle United

Sandro Tonali was everywhere again against Spurs. The Italian marshalled a new-look midfield and shrugged off any lingering doubts about his fitness.

The former AC Milan star has been dealing with illness of late but was excellent once again for Howe’s side on Wednesday night.

His power, guile and athleticism were all on show. A simply brilliant performance and it only further underlines just how lucky Newcastle are that he secretly signed a new contract during his ban from football.

Wembley now in sight for Newcastle United

The Carabao Cup has been very kind to Newcastle during the Howe era. Twice they have reached the final and, in March, they famously lifted the trophy.

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Not many would have expected Newcastle to retain it this season but it’s now a distinct possibility. Now into the final eight, few would bet against Howe’s side reaching Wembley once again considering their record in this competition.

Joe Willock proves Eddie Howe right at Newcastle United

Joe Willock hasn’t made much game time this season but performed well against Spurs.

Howe thinks people have forgotten about just how good Willock is and while he is yet to scale the kind of heights he’s previously reached for the club, that was a promising performance.

Willock hardly put a foot wrong in midfield, helping win the ball back at times as well as driving forward. Recorded an assist for Nick Woltemade’s goal, which should do him a world of confidence.

Aaron Ramsdale gives Newcastle United a new dimension

Nick Pope has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season but praising Aaron Ramsdale shouldn’t instantly be taken as a call for Pope to be dropped.

Ramsdale gives Newcastle a different dimension. Whether that’s better or not is up for debate but the team are able to play in a different way with him in goal.

The summer signing swept up Spurs attacks well and his distribution was impressive. He also made some crucial saves to deny Richarlison.

Fabian Schar makes statement for Newcastle United

Fabian Schar has been one of Newcastle’s best-ever signings but has lost his place in recent weeks.

Still, Schar impressed for Newcastle when replacing Sven Botman against Fulham on Saturday. The classy Swiss did so again here, even aside from his goal.

The way in which Schar celebrated was interesting, too. He put his finger to his lips to indicate a shushing motion, while he also cupped his ear in celebration.

It’s hard to know exactly what he meant but it was notable he did that after so much talk about the brilliance of the Malick Thiaw-Botman partnership.