Eddie Howe makes strong request to Newcastle United supporters ahead of Carabao Cup semi-final vs Arsenal
Newcastle United are looking to reach another Carabao Cup final but need to get past Arsenal first.
Eddie Howe’s side have a two-goal advantage going into the game, but the pressure is still on following successive defeats at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United are looking for their first major trophy since 1969 and the club’s first domestic cup win since 1955. They came agonisingly close to a Carabao Cup win in 2023, but lost out to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
The Magpies are set for a boost in the attacking department as Callum Wilson is set to return to Newcastle’s matchday squad for the Arsenal tie but will make a late call on Joelinton after an injury scare against Fulham.
Joelinton was pictured in a knee brace following Newcastle’s defeat to Fulham on Saturday, the Brazilian was taken off slightly earlier than usual for Joe Willock.
The fans are expected to be right behind Howe’s side for the game and now the Toon boss has made it clear what he expects from supporters at the game.
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Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe claps the fans during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s …
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe’s message to Newcastle fans ahead of Arsenal clash
St James’ Park is the perfect stadium for nights like this – Newcastle fans know what they have to do and will deliver for the players.
Newcastle are in a great position going into the tie, but they must make the home advantage count on the night.
Howe held his pre-match press conference and was asked about the fans creating a special atmosphere at home.
“I think [our success] has been a combination of us and the crowd. I think we’ve become a really potent team together and that is what we are going to need in this game.
“We are going to need to engage all our supporters in our energy and our body language, we need to make this a formidable environment for our opponent. It is our duty to do that.”
Eddie Howe on creating a special atmosphere at St. James’ Park:
“I think [our success] has been a combination of us and the crowd. I think we’ve become a really potent team together and that is what we are going to need in this game.
We are going to need to engage all our… pic.twitter.com/Wid08r4zb8
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 4, 2025
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Newcastle will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the final if they make it past Arsenal on Wednesday.
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Newcastle’s chances of winning silverware this season
Toon fans have already endured the heartbreak of losing a cup final under the new ownership, and players and staff will be keen to ensure they right the wrongs of 2023 and bring a trophy back to Tyneside.
The feeling around the fanbase is that Newcastle are much better placed to win a trophy this season having performed well in the domestic competitions in previous campaigns. Newcastle reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last season and will be one step closer to that if they beat Birmingham in the fourth round on Saturday.
A huge motivator for Newcastle is that winning a domestic competition guarantees European football next season, something Newcastle staff expect Howe to achieve this season.
Winning the Carabao Cup would send Newcastle into the Europa League, even if they finish outside of a qualification spot in the Premier League.
