The Mag
·1 November 2024
The Mag
·1 November 2024
After a very good result against Chelsea on Wednesday evening, Newcastle United find themselves in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
Three quarter-finals in the competition in three seasons is no mean feat for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.
Although Chelsea rested Cole Palmer and played arguably a weakened team, there was still enough quality in blue shirts to potentially cause problems for NUFC.
Currently sitting 12th in the league and results being questioned, this was a huge victory and could be a catalyst for Howe’s team to push on this season.
There’s been plenty of heartbreak over the last few decades for Newcastle United when it comes to cup competitions.
Whether that be losing the two FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999. Losing to Marseille in the UEFA Cup semi-final in 2004, which felt like Alan Shearer’s last real opportunity to lift a trophy. Then the more recent blow of course, was the League Cup final in 2023, with Newcastle United losing to Man U at the final hurdle.
With Brentford being pulled out of hat at St. James’ Park, it’s a great opportunity for Newcastle United to reach another semi-final under Eddie Howe. To then hopefully go on to give the fans something that’s been craved for since the club won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, namely silverware.
Achieving European football will be an ongoing aim for the club, to give the club rewards on and off the pitch.
This season it will prove to be a real challenge, with Aston Villa, Chelsea, Spurs and Man U likely the main competitors for fourth spot, whilst Brighton and Bournemouth also looking very capable so far, they could be the outside bets for the Europa League places.
For Newcastle United, silverware could be a real possibility with the latter stages of the League Cup approaching, plus the FA Cup commencing in January.
Bottom line is that going all out for a trophy should be the sole priority.
Always hope for fans when cup football takes centre stage, if you carry the luck when the draws are made, this can present real opportunity.
Plus of course, if you do win a domestic trophy, European qualification is guaranteed.
Another reason why it makes sense to prioritise these domestic cup competitions.
If given the offer now of Newcastle United finishing mid-table AND winning cup silverware this season, that would surely be grabbed with both hands by pretty much all Newcastle fans.