It just keeps getting better for the Magpies and, according to their in-form wideman, even more delight could be round the corner.
Confidence is certainly high at St James’ Park at the moment and Matt Ritchie has told The Chronicle that Newcastle United can realistically challenge to lift the EFL Cup this season.
The Magpies maintained their superb run of form with a thrilling 6-0 hammering of Preston North End on Tuesday night, booking their place in the quarter-final draw in the process.
And Ritchie, who sparkled once again on the wing and netted a second-half penalty, insists it is not wholly ridiculous to suggest that Rafael Benitez’s side cannot go all the way and win their first domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup.
“I’d be disappointed with myself if I said we couldn’t win it. If we can have a little bit of luck, why not?” the former Bournemouth winger told The Chronicle.
“(We need) a good mentality. A little bit of luck along the way – we’ve performed well so far but to have a good cup run, you need some luck.”
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Mo Diame netted twice apiece to emphatically silence the criticisms of their form this season, while Ayoze Perez added the sixth at the death in a thoroughly emphatic attacking performance.
A point illustrated when Preston boss Simon Grayson stated after the game that Newcastle would have swept away even Premier League sides with the quality of their performance in midweek, according to The Chronicle.
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