Newcastle United Defend Carabao Cup Title With Gritty 2-0 Win Over Tottenham
The roar of 52,000 Geordies echoed through Tyneside as Newcastle United continued their Carabao Cup defense with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Under the crisp October night sky, the Magpies delivered a performance blending tactical discipline with moments of pure footballing magic that left supporters dreaming of Wembley once more.
Nick Woltemade emerged as the night's hero, his powerful 68th-minute header cementing the result after Anthony Gordon's first-half opener. The German striker's sixth goal of the campaign sparked scenes of delirium in the Gallowgate End, with fans serenading their goalscorer to the tune of local anthem "Blaydon Races."
"When that second goal went in, you could feel the stadium shaking," lifelong supporter Sarah Thompson told reporters outside the ground. "This cup run means everything to us - it's become part of our identity these past few seasons."
The match turned on two pivotal moments:
- Gordon's clinical finish (37'): Capitalizing on Pedro Porro's defensive error
- Woltemade's header (68'): Meeting Kieran Trippier's inch-perfect cross
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou conceded his side lacked cutting edge: "We controlled periods but couldn't convert. Newcastle showed that champion mentality when it mattered."
The victory marks Newcastle's 12th consecutive domestic cup win at St James' Park, a fortress-like record that continues to grow under Eddie Howe. With quarterfinal draw scheduled for Saturday, club captain Jamaal Lascelles issued a warning to potential opponents:
"We're not just here to participate - we're here to make history. Four finals in a row isn't just a target, it's an expectation now."
Newcastle join Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa in Friday's last-eight draw as they continue their quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Carabao Cup trophy.
Read Original: ESPN Match Report