Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Carabao Cup - and Nick Woltemade was again on the scoresheet.
So far Nick Woltemade is making life in English football look like a walk in the park. Despite the protestations of angry heads in Bavaria, he’s looked every bit at home in the Premier League, Champions League and now Carabao Cup for Newcastle United, as he made it six goals in nine starts for the Magpies since arriving from Stuttgart.
Woltemade cleverly used his extensive, rangy frame to jostle himself into position between Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, defender and the ball, to nod home his first open play goal at the Gallowgate End and wrap up progression to the quarter final of the Carabao Cup.
And in doing so, Woltemade also made this ‘easy’ NUFC claim, which is a long way from the Bayern Munich PR drive to discredit the German No.9’s switch to the Premier League.
Nick Woltemade on ‘settling’ at Newcastle United
Speaking to Sky Sports Woltemade said: “Joe [Willock] had the ball and I wanted to go behind the centre back and luckily the goalkeeper was coming out, so I just had to head it in.
“I think I play different from the other strikers they had here. I think the team after every game get to know me better. I just want the ball at my feet most of the time but I can help the team and if we all come into it I think we can get really good results.
“This team is so easy for me to come here, new country, a new language, I feel welcome here even from the first day everyone was talking to me.
“I think we all have a good connection which makes it easier for me and even for the other new players.”
Newcastle United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 0 - Magpies progress to Carabao Cup quarter final
Howe made eight changes from the 2-1 win over Fulham as Newcastle looked to progress into the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive campaign.
Aaron Ramsdale replaced Nick Pope in goal as Emil Krafth and Schar joined Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn in the back four with Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier dropping out.
A fully rotated midfield saw Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey come in for Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Joelinton, while Woltemade retained his place in attack with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga replacing Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy as the two wingers.
Newcastle opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Schar rose highest to head home Tonali’s corner.
Early in the second half, Willock missed a close-range header to double United’s lead but moments later redeemed himself as the former Arsenal man crossed for Woltemade’s goal.
And that’s how it stayed as Howe’s side made it three wins in a row after victories over Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League last week.
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