Newcastle’s defence of the Carabao Cup is over – and so they have been nearly as good as returning the trophy to EFL HQ after seven minutes of this second leg.
Coaching 2-0 from the opening tie at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe arrange with a 5-3-2 system designed to maintain it tight and play on the break.
Because it was, Metropolis profited from three lightening fast counters of their very own earlier than half-time and led 3-0 inside 32 minutes. Anthony Elanga responded with a comfort within the second half, however from the second Ormar Marmoush opened the scoring within the seventh minute, the competition was accomplished.
Howe stated: ‘The primary objective was going to be essential. I am actually aggravated with the first-half show. We delight ourselves on being actually organised. Tactically we would like to have the ability to deal with any drawback the opposition give us. However individually we have been off. It was not adequate. We didn’t win our duels.’
So, the place did all of it go unsuitable for Newcastle, and have been there any positives? Our chief soccer reporter, Craig Hope, was on the Etihad Stadium to return his verdict…
Newcastle noticed their Carabao Cup defence come to an finish within the semi-finals towards Man Metropolis
Eddie Howe’s facet have been comfortably crushed 5-1 on mixture after shedding 3-1 within the second leg
Woltemade the lacking piece for anyone else’s jigsaw
There have been 20 minutes on the clock when Newcastle coach Graeme Jones screamed at Nick Woltemade from the touchline. The instruction was clear – play increased up the pitch. Moments earlier, there was a vignette that served to spotlight the problem Newcastle have with Woltemade as their No.9.
Joe Willock had the ball simply previous midway and there was an ocean of inexperienced for him to hit in behind Metropolis’s excessive backline. Woltemade, although, wished the ball quick in entrance of the defenders. It’s not the German’s fault – he’s not that sort of participant – however the absence of tempo preying on the shoulder of the opposition has slowed Newcastle’s progress all season.
Woltemade was taken off at half-time after zero efforts on objective and simply 11 touches, none of which have been within the penalty space. It’s a phrase I’ve used because the begin of the marketing campaign and can proceed to take action – Woltemade is an efficient participant, however he’s the lacking piece within the puzzle for anyone else’s jigsaw.
Nick Woltemade’s presence because the No.9 stays a problem regardless of his skill, as Newcastle proceed to lack tempo on the shoulder of the the opposition defenders
Gordon damage an enormous fear as Wissa struggles
Woltemade’s substitute, Yoane Wissa, is struggling for a unique cause. It wanted lower than 60 seconds of the second half to put naked his lack of health and, by extension, religion in his physique. He was despatched clear on objective however by no means seemed to be transferring cleanly and his end was even scruffier, sliced an excellent – or very unhealthy – 5 yards large. After lacking the primary three months of the season with a knee damage, he simply can not discover any rhythm. Judgement must be reserved till the 29-year-old enjoys a full pre-season.
However, given the issues round Woltemade and Wissa, it in all probability implies that the most suitable choice at centre ahead is Anthony Gordon. If solely he hadn’t been compelled off earlier than half-time with a hamstring damage, which the membership will assess within the subsequent 24 hours.
Possibly the reply is Will Osula, who got here on for the ultimate quarter-hour right here. The issue is, the Dane would somewhat have moved on in January. That hardly lends itself to a motivated participant. They have to hope Gordon’s damage isn’t severe, however Howe admitted it was a ‘huge fear’.
Yoane Wissa continues to battle for health and rhythm following his prolonged damage lay-off
Anthony Gordon’s hamstring damage might be a significant concern, as he seems Newcastle’s most suitable choice as a centre ahead presently
Time to offer Thiaw a breather
Malick Thiaw was excellent for 3 months after making his debut in September. However after taking part in nearly each minute since, he appears to be like drained and in determined want of a break. That a lot was evident by the way wherein Metropolis performed round him for Marmoush’s opener.
Credit score to the German, he noticed out the 90 minutes, however now feels just like the time to offer him a breather. Newcastle danger knocking the boldness of a centre again who seemed made for the Premier League throughout his introduction.
Malick Thiaw was excellent for 3 months after making his debut, however now appears to be like in want of a breather
Guardiola’s Tonali embrace value noting
The (non) story of deadline day round Newcastle have been studies of Arsenal making an strategy for Sandro Tonali. They didn’t, however the emergence of such noise did really feel like the beginning of whispers that may solely develop louder the nearer we get to summer season.
So, to see Pep Guardiola make for Tonali on full-time and have interaction in a minute-long dialog, earlier than the embrace of a hug, was actually value noting. Metropolis are among the many small pool of golf equipment who may afford the Italian’s switch charge and wages, and Guardiola has historical past for flirting with gamers he admires.
Of the trade, the Metropolis boss stated: ‘My Italian is ideal, in order that’s why I can talk with him. We’ve a good friend in frequent in Brescia. Each time we’re related all three, by means of him. I do know his father a very long time in the past. On a regular basis we met we speak about AC Milan, the supporters & how glad he’s right here in Newcastle. He’s a extremely high, high participant. A high participant.’
Guardiola, who has a historical past for flirting with gamers had admires, had a post-match chat with Sandro Tonali
Can comfort spark Elanga turnaround?
Lastly, the constructive. Anthony Elanga got here from the bench to attain for the primary time in 32 matches since his £55m arrival from Nottingham Forest.
It was an excellent objective, too, going by three defenders earlier than curling into the underside nook.
He missed an opportunity from six yards quickly after, a reminder of his prior struggles.
However Howe should hope that the breakthrough objective can spark a turnaround in his Newcastle profession, which has thus far been a disappointment
