Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t – Loving this from Eddie Howe | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has been reflecting on the 2-0 win over Arsenal at St James’s Park.

United winning 4-0 on aggregate to truly humble the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta schooled yet again by Eddie Howe.

What an achievement to absolutely batter Arsenal over the two legs, especially when on top of injuries the result at the Emirates was banked without a suspended Bruno and Schar.

Then at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe having to shuffle his pack and come up with another formation and gameplan, due to the Joelinton injury.

Eddie Howe reflecting on Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (4-0 on aggregate):

“It is huge to get back to Wembley.

“The first appearance [in February 2023 against Man U] there was a bit unexpected, but with the club we want to be, we have to be there regularly, so it’s not a surprise.

“We are there on merit, our run has not been easy this year.

“We have faced four Premier League teams, so we have done the hard yards.

“Hopefully we can learn from the last experience and improve our performance.

“We knew that we were missing Joe[linton] for a period of time.

“We had to change something.

“So we came up with a plan on Monday, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

“We stuck to the plan and delivered.

“I think Joelinton will be out for weeks not months.

“It is not a serious injury but it is enough to make him miss the next few league games.

“It was a great night for us.

“It was a tough game but tactically we were good.

“The intention was to be aggressive and sometimes when you do that it doesn’t always work.

“This time it did.

“I thought it helped to solidify our plan.

“We had to retreat at times but we were always in the game.

“The work [on the game plan playing three/five at the back] started on Monday, which is quick.

“The Champions League last year helped us to work on those two day turnarounds.

“We do tweak things depending on the opposition.

“We felt we needed more height in the team, we wanted solidity at the back and we had to change in order to win the game.”

Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (4-0 on aggregate) – Wednesday 5 February 8pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Murphy 19, Gordon 52

Arsenal:

(In brackets the half-time stats)

Possession was Newcastle 32% (31%) Arsenal 68% (69%)

Total shots were Newcastle 10 (6) Arsenal 11 (6)

Shots on target were Newcastle 3 (1) Arsenal 3 (1)

Corners were Newcastle 1 (1) Arsenal 13 (4)

Touches in the box Newcastle 10 (8) Arsenal 39 (18)

Newcastle United team v Arsenal:

Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Botman (Krafth 80), Hall, Tonali (Longstaff 87), Bruno (Miley 90+1), Murphy (Willock 80), Isak (Wilson 87), Gordon

Unused subs:

Pope, Targett, Osula, Livarmento

(Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (4-0 on aggregate) – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Newcastle United on their way to Wembley! The photo that perfectly captures the moment – See HERE)

(Eddie Howe schools Mikel Arteta as usual! Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (4-0 on aggregate) and Wembley – Read HERE)

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle (5.45pm) BBC1 and BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

(Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  NUFC will play in FA Cup fifth round if getting past Birmingham)

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports