Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe wants his side to “go one further” than last season after knocking Manchester City out of the League Cup.
Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the game at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening to secure the Magpies’ passage to the fourth round.
The hosts were put under the cosh by Man City, but Howe’s half-time changes made a huge difference as Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes came on in place of youngsters Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley.
“It was a game of two halves,” Howe told Sky Sports. “First was tough and City played well. We didn’t but defended well as we didn’t have the ball. Probably had the one chance with Jacob Murphy.
“Second half we were excellent in most aspects, defensively and offensively. We attacked well and probably deserved to win in the end.
“There were tactical changes but the biggest thing was in belief. That is not a reflection on the lads we took off but the lads we brought on made a big difference. With the ball we were a better team completely.
The fourth round draw has pitted Newcastle against Manchester United – a repeat of last year’s final at Wembley. The Red Devils won on that occasion, but Howe has urged his side to aim for silverware this season.
“Pre-game it was in our thoughts, the run last year,” he said. “It was an inspiration to us and helped our season, albeit the final maybe affected our league results. We look back on it with real pride.
“We want to try and go one further if we can but there is a long way to go at this stage. We are still there fighting.”
There was also praise for Tino Livramento, who made his first start since joining the club from Southampton in the summer.
Howe commented: “He had a difficult opponent in Jack Grealish. Defensively he was really good and played with maturity in his game. He looked composed. Good signs for him. He attacked well as we improved as a team.”
