Eddie Howe has urged his Newcastle United players to seize their opportunity and create a lasting legacy by securing a place in the Carabao Cup final at Arsenal’s expense. With a 2-0 lead from the first leg in London, Newcastle head into the decisive match at St James’ Park knowing they are within touching distance of Wembley, but Howe has warned against complacency.
The Newcastle manager acknowledged that such a lead can be “dangerous” if his team does not approach the game with the right mindset. He emphasized the importance of staying on the front foot and embracing the challenge. “All our players have to show they can rise to the occasion, that they can leave a legacy on the pitch and do something that everybody talks about for years and years,” he said. “What an opportunity we have to attack the game and embrace everything in front of us, to be at our best.”
Having reached the final two years ago but falling short, Newcastle remain determined to end their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. Howe understands the emotional weight of the occasion and the nerves that come with it. However, he believes his squad must use those emotions to fuel a strong performance. “Nerves and excitement are closely linked, and I understand the brain can go in different directions,” he said. “But what a great opportunity we’ve got.”
While Newcastle’s form has dipped slightly in recent weeks, Arsenal’s performances have improved, heightening concerns on Tyneside about how the tie will play out. Howe, however, has encouraged his squad to focus on their own game rather than the dynamics of the aggregate score. “Whether a 2-0 lead is the most dangerous in football is probably a conversation for another time,” he said. “But it’s only dangerous if you don’t perform. So the message is we have to perform. That’s the challenge.”
The squad situation remains a key concern for Newcastle. Callum Wilson is close to returning and could be named among the substitutes, but Joelinton’s availability remains uncertain due to a knee injury. The potential absence of the Brazilian midfielder would be a boost for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, though Newcastle will take confidence from the quality they still possess in their squad.
Off the pitch, Newcastle’s financial constraints played a role in the decision to allow Lloyd Kelly to leave for Juventus on an initial loan that will become a £20 million permanent transfer in the summer. Howe admitted the move was not entirely his decision, as the club had to consider financial fair play regulations. “I don’t think it was necessarily my decision to let him leave,” he said. “We were very reluctant from our side. Lloyd signed for us from Bournemouth only last summer, and we believed in him and his qualities.”
Despite the squad being lighter in numbers following the transfer window, Howe remains optimistic about Newcastle’s chances of success. “The window was a case of trying not to weaken the squad too much. It’s now lighter in numbers but high on quality. Managing injuries will be a big part of what we do now, but there’s still no reason why we can’t be successful.”
With the Carabao Cup final just one step away, Newcastle will need to deliver a performance worthy of their ambitions and end their long wait for silverware.
