Howe Admits Newcastle Must Stay Alert Against Arsenal Despite 2-0 Lead

Synopsis

Newcastle United's Eddie Howe emphasizes the need for vigilance as they face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, holding a 2-0 lead. He highlights the importance of a positive mindset and the potential to reach the finals for the second time in three seasons.

Key Takeaways

Newcastle leads Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Eddie Howe stresses the need for vigilance despite the advantage.
The team is unbeaten in their last nine away matches.
Arsenal recently achieved a stunning 5-1 win over Manchester City.
Newcastle has not won a major trophy since 1955.

Newcastle, Feb 4 (NationPress) Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe believes his team must remain vigilant during the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal at St. James' Park on Wednesday night, even with a 2-0 advantage.

The Magpies head into the cup match against Mikel Arteta's Gunners, having gone unbeaten in their last nine away fixtures across all competitions, and holding a solid lead after their remarkable 2-0 win last month, marking their first success at the Emirates Stadium since 2010.

“My message is we are at the halfway point in the tie. Against any opponent, the game remains very much alive. We must perform our duties, but considering the caliber of Arsenal and their squad, we need to stay alert.

“We should approach the game with a distinctly positive and aggressive mentality, striving to maintain our identity at every moment without straying from that. We are in a favorable position and must seize every chance,” Howe stated in the pre-match press conference.

Arsenal, who were runners-up in the last two Premier League seasons, returned to exceptional form on Sunday with an astonishing 5-1 victory over rivals Manchester City.

If the Toons reach the finals of the Carabao Cup, it will mark their second final appearance in three seasons, having narrowly lost the 2023 showdown 0-2 to Manchester United.

Newcastle United has not claimed a major trophy since 1955 and will be eager to gain confidence through the Carabao Cup.

“Nerves and excitement often intertwine as emotions, and it is essential to focus on the positive aspects rather than the negative. While the mind can wander, ultimately, when considering this game and our position in the cup semi-final, it presents a fantastic opportunity, even if it stands at nil-nil.

“Let’s put aside any discussions about a lead. This is a remarkable opportunity for us at home to take charge of the game, embrace the challenge, and give our all. That is exactly what we intend to do,” he concluded.