Newcastle United advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup after earning a 2-0 win over Chelsea in the round of 16. This victory was a breath of fresh air for Eddie Howe’s side, breaking a five-game winless streak in the Premier League. With this result, the Magpies now reached the quarterfinals of the competition for the third consecutive season.
Key moments
The opening goal came in the 23rd minute, with Alexander Isak finishing after Newcastle’s high-pressing style caused Chelsea to lose possession deep in their own half. Just three minutes later, Newcastle’s aggression paid off again when Axel Disasi accidentally deflected the ball into Chelsea’s own net, doubling Newcastle’s lead.
Chelsea, experimenting with a rotated lineup under manager Enzo Maresca, struggled to find rhythm. Despite retaining much of the possession, they couldn’t counter Newcastle’s intense and structured play, often succumbing to the high press.
Newcastle’s revival
Newcastle’s aggressive, high-intensity approach kept Chelsea’s defenders under constant pressure, reminiscent of the style that had won them many supporters under Howe’s management. Despite having less possession, the home side created chances by forcing Chelsea into dangerous errors.
Newcastle’s opening goal typified that aggressiveness, with Joelinton pressing Chelsea’s Renato Veiga and forcing a mistake that led to Isak’s finish. The second goal, although fortuitous with a deflection off Disasi, came from a quick counter that caught Chelsea off guard.
Jorgensen’s performance
Filip Jorgensen, given a chance in goal for Chelsea, faced scrutiny as Robert Sanchez’s recent form had invited criticism. Jorgensen’s performance, however, failed to dispel concerns about Chelsea’s goalkeeping options. Although not directly at fault for the two goals, his tentative response to Newcastle’s pressure and misplaced passes did not inspire confidence. The root of Chelsea’s struggles in this department may lie in Maresca’s tactical demands on his goalkeepers, who often seem close to their limits within this system.
Newcastle’s midfield balance
One significant takeaway for Howe was Newcastle’s improved midfield balance. Despite the absence of key player Bruno Guimaraes in the starting lineup, Sandro Tonali orchestrated play effectively from the center, and Joe Willock’s positioning on the left, with Joelinton ahead, provided power and ball progression. Anthony Gordon, returning from injury, added pressure from the right, a less familiar role for him but one he handled well.
This midfield combination enabled Newcastle to maintain their intensity without compromising structure, a setup Howe might consider using more frequently given the success of this configuration.
Chelsea’s misjudged rotation
Maresca’s heavily rotated lineup featured several changes to Chelsea’s usual style, particularly on the right flank, traditionally an offensive hub. Disasi, uncomfortable at right-back, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on the wing failed to recreate the synergy typically led by Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto, and Noni Madueke. Without Palmer’s playmaking, Chelsea’s right side lacked threat, and with Joao Felix drifting to the left to link up with Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s attack was unbalanced.
The left side showed glimpses of promise with Mykhailo Mudryk and Marc Cucurella finding openings, but it was only after Madueke replaced Dewsbury-Hall that Chelsea began to consistently threaten. Maresca’s choice to keep Palmer benched further signalled the Carabao Cup’s lower priority for Chelsea, who likely aim to focus more on upcoming Premier League matches.
Looking ahead
Newcastle’s victory highlighted a return to form, particularly through Howe’s high-pressing system that has brought Newcastle success in recent seasons. For Chelsea, the match exposed the challenges of squad rotation under Maresca’s complex tactical system, especially in goal and on the right flank. Newcastle will look to carry this momentum back into the Premier League, and they’ll need all of it when they face Arsenal on Saturday. As for the Carabao Cup, their opponent in the quarterfinals will be Brentford.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will look to bounce back from the cup exit against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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