Eddie Howe nails it after Newcastle 2-0 Spurs - Big positives & more breakthroughs

It was a big win last night - our third in nine days - and Eddie Howe was clearly delighted with what he saw from his players.

A 2-0 victory over Spurs not only set up a quarter-final clash with Fulham in the Carabao Cup, but saw a new-look Newcastle side featuring eight changes outclass and outwork a Spurs side who suffered their first away defeat of 2025/26.

Across post-match interviews with Sky Sports and the local media from St James' Park, Howe hailed the collective and individual performances, believing a much-changed side featuring Ramsdale, Krafth, Schar, Ramsey and Willock did him proud considering their recent lack of game time, highlighting the strength of our squad.

The boss was also delighted to score from a corner, hailing Tonali's cross and Schar's header after "working really hard" in training on our threat from set pieces; which are slowly showing signs of improvement under new coach Martin Mark.

Howe also spoke passionately about our determination to win the Carabao Cup once again, revealing his wish for another home draw just minutes before we secured Fulham at St James' Park, which will likely take place on 17th December.

Last but not least, Howe spoke highly of Nick Woltemade's ability to absorb information and buy into his ideas, discussing the striker's confidence-boosting goal and why he is happy to see the big man come short; providing he's not too far away from the box!

Howe on 8 changes paying off

"Really pleased. When you make the changes that we did (eight changes), you hope to see a performance in line with our identity and expectations, and I thought we got both today.

"I thought the pressing early on in the game was outstanding, and the general attitude of the players was very, very good.

"Individually, there was some really good performances, and collectively we were strong. Really pleased for the squad today."

"You wonder how cohesive it will be (after making so many changes), but from minute one we looked in a really good place.

"Athletically I thought we were excellent, and a lot of those players haven't played regularly, so that's a testament to their professionalism and how they look after themselves in between games. They got their rewards."

Howe on another Carabao Cup run

"It means everything. We are taking small steps. The quarter final is a big hurdle for us and we are now entering the latter stages of the competitions.

"We know what it's like. The experiences from two of the last three years will serve us well, hopefully. Hopefully we can get another home game."

Howe on set piece work

"It's something we've been working really hard on lately, and we have the height and the power to cause problems. Great to see Sandro's great delivery, and Fabian's header was top class.

"He's always had a goal in him, and that creative edge to his game. A great moment for him."

Howe on Woltemade's attitude and goal

"Nick's attitude, firstly. He's come in very open. Very open to new ideas, very open to delivering what we need him to do and absorbed all the information we've given him. 

"He's been very good tactically, I have to say. And that then enables us to play in the way we want to. And once you get that framework, you can develop his skills, and he has unique ones. He's got a very strong game.

"Great to see him score again as all strikers need that confidence, and that will give his confidence another lift. He's settling in really well."

Howe on Woltemade dropping deep

"When you have someone this good technically, you want to get the ball at their feet in attacking areas. We don't want to take him too far away from the goal by dropping in too deep, but we want him to showcase his creative talents.

"So we are still figuring out the best ways to use him, but hopefully we are on the right path."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJjzmTXujvE