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eddie howe Enjoying the challenge of fighting on all fronts after steering newcastle In the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive season.
The holders were handed a home tie against Fulham, who they beat 2-1 at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday, after beating Tottenham 2-0 in the last 16 in a draw on Wednesday night.
Speaking before the draw was made, head coach Howe – who made eight changes ahead of Sunday’s league trip to West Ham and Athletic Bilbao Champions League Will be visiting Tyneside next week – was a happy man.
Asked about the challenge of competing in every competition, the Magpies boss said: “We are enjoying it. I always say every game is an amazing experience.
“Preparing for the Games is a challenge, of course there is a lot of work, but it is what we do and what we love to do.
“I really enjoyed the first Champions League season. It was a different focus, less training and more tactical work and I’m enjoying it again. So far, so good.”
Newcastle were rewarded for a great start when Fabian Schar scored in the 24th minute. Sandro Tonali The ball went past goalkeeper Antonin Kinski and although Spurs were caught in the action by the reverse, they went behind two minutes after the restart when Nick Voltemed beat Kinski to Joe Willock’s cross.
The visitors rallied once again and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had to make saves from Pep Matar Sarr and Richarlison, but there was no way back.
Howe said: “[It]was really enjoyable, testament to the team, testament to the attitude of the players. Everyone played today with the right spirit, the right determination. There was a desire to win.
“We didn’t pick it our way. It was a really hard-fought win. However, it was mainly very, very positive and I’m really happy for the team today.”
Spurs left the North East after playing well for long stretches of the night but rued the manner of the early goal after referee Chis Kavanagh allowed the hugely influential Sandro Tonali to take a corner as defender Jade Spence forced his way into the penalty area after having his boot laced again.
head coach Thomas Frank Said: “We conceded two goals because of two mistakes. In my opinion, unfortunately, the referee was part of the first mistake.
“I’m not saying there are things we can’t do better, but his boot is closed, he needs to tie his boot and you can clearly see in the subsequent footage that the whole boot is closed, so he needs to do that.
“It’s 23 minutes, it’s not like we’ve delayed the game 10 minutes and we’re 1-0 up. It’s normal to give him time to come in, so as soon as he put the boot on, the referee let him go.
“Then to make it perfect, he had to mark Jade’s man, Shar, who scored, so we were very excited.”