Kieron Dyer has waxed lyrical about Eddie Howe after he guided Newcastle United into the Carabao Cup semi-finals. It is the first time the Magpies are in the final four since 1975/76.
A first Toon goal by Dan Burn (60’) before Joelinton (72’) turned from creator to goalscorer saw Newcastle beat Leicester City 2-0 in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. The left-back jinked his way into the Foxes box past two defenders before drilling his shot beyond Danny Ward.
Newcastle had crashed out in the second round of the Carabao Cup to Burnley last season. The Clarets sealed a 4-3 win on penalties following a 0-0 draw at St James’ Park as the two sides started their campaigns. The Toon also exited the 2021/22 FA Cup in the third round.
Cup competitions have not been too kind to Newcastle in recent years with their last semi-final appearance in the 2004/05 FA Cup. Dyer was a part of Graeme Souness’ squad during that campaign. The Magpies lost 4-1 to Manchester United in Cardiff for a spot in the final.
You have to go back to the 1998/1999 FA Cup for the Toon’s last appearance in a domestic cup final. While the Tyneside natives’ only appearance in the EFL Cup final came way back in 1975/76. Manchester City won that season’s League Cup showpiece tie 2-1 at Wembley.
Eddie Howe has Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and chasing Europe
But Howe does not only have Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals but also competing for European qualification this season. The Toon sit third in the Premier League table after 18 games. They and leaders Arsenal (through 17 games) have also only lost once this term.
Newcastle further boast the top-flight’s best defensive record having allowed just 11 goals to be scored this term. Howe has benefitted greatly from signing Kieran Trippier for £12m, Burn for £13m, goalkeeper Nick Pope for £12m and Sven Botman for £35m in the last year.
Liverpool also dealt Newcastle their only defeat of the Premier League season so far with a 90+7th minute winner. Mohamed Salah scored deep into stoppage time to seal the Reds’ comeback. Alexander Isak (38’) put the Toon in front before Roberto Firmino (61’) replied.
To now see Howe guide Newcastle into the Carabao Cup semi-finals has left Dyer in awe of the Toon boss. He has sung the 45-year-old coach’s praises whilst speaking on talkSPORT.
“I think I’m doing him a disservice when I say they play on the front foot because there will be times when they play the big teams and he’ll come up with a tactical plan,” Dyer stated.
“He showed that against Man City at St James’ Park. I think they lost to Liverpool in the last minute and he even went with a pragmatic approach against Arsenal, as well. He’s a tactical mastermind, so fair play to him.”
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