Eddie Howe says Newcastle need to be “on their guard” towards Arsenal as they attempt to safe a spot within the EFL Cup closing tomorrow evening.
The Magpies, who haven’t claimed a home trophy since 1955, received the primary leg of their semi-final towards the Gunners 2-0 on the Emirates after withstanding big stress in a smash-and-grab victory.
However Howe is cautious of getting carried away towards a workforce that confirmed their attacking prowess of their 5-1 demolition of defending Premier League champions Manchester Metropolis on Sunday.
Eddie Howe on tomorrow’s second leg towards Arsenal:
“My message is, we’re on the midway level within the tie. In opposition to any opposition the sport continues to be very a lot alive. We’ve got to strategy the sport in a very optimistic and aggressive method, attempt to be ourselves, there can be no… pic.twitter.com/7jMd4lwOoQ
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 4, 2025
He mentioned: “I feel my message is we’re on the midway level, the away recreation was an excellent efficiency from us however towards any opposition, the sport continues to be alive. You then add the standard of Arsenal [and] now we have to be on our guard.
“We’ve got to attempt to be optimistic and aggressive, there can be no deviation from that. We’ve got to interact the gang and attempt to benefit from each alternative.”
Difficult window for Howe
Newcastle failed so as to add to their squad within the January window as they proceed to battle with PSR necessities, though they did herald some much-needed income by the gross sales of Lloyd Kelly to Juventus and Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United.
“I mentioned proper initially it was not a case of incomings, a case of making an attempt to handle outgoings and never weaken the squad an excessive amount of that it will be affected,” added Howe.
“We’ve managed PSR and the 2 gross sales obtain that. The squad is lighter however filled with high quality. We are able to nonetheless obtain success.”
Howe reluctant to let Kelly go away
The sale of Kelly was a specific blow to Howe however made sense financially with the Saudi Arabian-owned membership having introduced him in on a free switch final summer time.
“I don’t suppose it was essentially my choice to let him go away, very reluctant from our aspect,” mentioned Howe.
“Lloyd is a participant we simply signed, we consider in his qualities. Barely irritating he didn’t play extra, however that’s maybe been right down to the type of others. We’ve needed to attempt to handle PSR and make selections that profit us, that is a type of. An thrilling alternative for him.”