It has been 54 years since Newcastle United lifted silverware of any kind. It’s been 67 years since they lifted one of England’s major trophies, as they won the FA Cup back in 1955. But now they are just three games from ending that drought after a 2-0 win over Leicester City took them to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Importantly, in this new era, Newcastle were able to end a stinking run of results at this stage, in this competition. From 1995-2021, the Magpies lost seven League Cup quarter-finals without winning a single one. In fact, this is their first win at this stage since they reached the final in 1976.
Eddie Howe himself had lost at this stage three times with Bournemouth, but has finally overcome that hurdle, as he targets his first domestic final appearance. The boss is used to ripping up the rule book this season, so perhaps this is no surprise, but there was a slight feeling of frustration after the premature FA Cup exit at the weekend. Was this just the same old Newcastle that underperformed in cup competitions? Tonight, with their first XI, they proved that they have what it takes to go all the way and end that trophy drought.
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And they’ll be a danger to whichever side they come up against in the two-legged semi-final. At St James’ Park, with a sea of black and white flags providing an epic backdrop, they started like a house on fire. After less than a minute they should have been in front when Joe Willock crossed for Sean Longstaff, but he bounced his effort over the bar when he should have hit the target.
Howe’s men kept on coming, clearly under instruction to blow the Foxes away, as they had done on Boxing Day at the King Power. Bruno Guimares fired two efforts just wide from the edge of the box and Miguel Almiron was a constant nuisance, as he has been all season. The Geordies were desperate for another destruction of Leicester and a first League Cup quarter-final win since 1977.
But having weathered the storm, the Foxes grew into the match. Patson Daka was chosen to lead the line and his pace kept Sven Botman on his toes, while Ayoze Perez was desperate to make an impact on his St James’ Park return.
Moments into the second half, Joelinton raced into the box that Danny Ward somehow got down and tipped onto the post. Then, the influential Guimares was tripped by Perez and then his studs inadvertently landed on the inside of his knee, leaving the Brazilian writhing around in pain. He recovered, and instantly Dan Burn should have scored as he headed over the bar before Ward stopped another effort. But the goal would come, just minutes into the second half.
Leicester failed to clear on two separate occasions and it was Willock who played the ball to Joelinton and he passed it into the path of the onrushing Burn. He took one touch into the box, cut inside and found a wonderful side foot finish into the bottom corner with his right foot.
Of all the people to open the scoring, few would have had big Burn on their bet slip. Especially not with a calm right-footed finish. But he wore a smile as wide as the Tyne Bridge as he put the hosts in front, and turned the decibels up at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have only lost one from 11 when scoring first this term and soon the tie was put beyond the reach of Leicester. This time Joelinton, who has become a midfield sensation in the north-east, raced onto a wonderful pass from Almiron and finished it first time with his left foot. It was more magic from Almiron and the Paraguayan’s pass was so good that Joelinton didn’t need to break stride before passing it into the back of the net.
Leicester showed some intent to get back into the game. Kelechi Iheanacho squared the ball for Jamie Vardy who had the goal at his mercy, but scuffed his right-footed finish wide. Moments later, he was jeered once more as he hit a left-footed strike just past the far post.
But it wasn’t to be for the Foxes and Brendan Rodgers will come under more scrutiny for his team selection tonight. However, for Howe and Newcastle the feel-good factor continues. As a team, they are forging new ground. A domestic trophy after a 68-year wait would truly announce Newcastle’s arrival as one of the big boys, but even a semi-final appearance is a major sign of progress.
