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.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
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.
Aaron Ramsdale celebrates Newcastle United's goal against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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.