Eddie Howe has expressed disappointment over Newcastle United’s EFL Cup exit after a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Manchester City in the semifinals.
The Magpies headed into Wednesday’s second leg clash hoping to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg, but were defeated 3-1 on the night which ended their title defence.
The Tyneside club had defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the 2025 final to win their first major trophy in 70 years, but fell short of reaching the final this time around.
“Really annoyed with the first-half display because we pride ourselves on been really organised and tactically we want to be able to handle any problem the opposition gives us”, Eddie Howe said after the match.
“But that first half, I just don’t think we were good enough. Our duels were off. That gave us huge problems. We didn’t defend well at all, I think.
“So, yeah, the first half was really disappointing. Where does that leave our season? That leaves our season, we are still fighting on several fronts. I think the games are coming thick and fast, there is no let-up for us.”
Omar Marmoush scored twice to out Manchester City two goals up in the first half, before Tijjani Reijnders added a third.
Anthony Elanga grabbed a consolation for the visitors in the second half as they bowed out of the competition at the last four stage.
“It is painful. We obviously loved the ride that we had last year in the cup and all the moments and the experience, and we were desperate to do it again”, he continued.
“We’re finding it difficult in this moment having just played Paris, Liverpool and Manchester City away. That’s a tough schedule for any team to face, and we’re dealing with the number of injuries that we have. There are no excuses, it’s just that’s the reality.
“We’re missing some really big players, and I think you could feel that from their performance tonight”, Howe concluded.
Manchester City will now face Arsenal, who defeated Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate in the other semifinal clash, in the final at Wembley on March 22.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
