Eddie Howe says that Newcastle must be “on their guard” against Arsenal while they are trying to secure a place during the EFL Cup final tomorrow evening.
The Magpies, who have not claimed a domestic trophy since 1955, won the first stage of their semi-finals against the Gunners 2-0 in the Emirates after resisting enormous pressure in a Smash and-Grab victory.
But Howe is suspicious of being carried away against a team that showed its attacker prowess in its 5-1 demolition of the title champions of the Premier League Manchester City on Sunday.
Eddie Howe in the second stage of tomorrow against Arsenal:
“My message is that we are halfway through the tie. Against any opposition, the game is always very lively. We have to approach the game in a really positive and aggressive way, try to be ourselves, there will not be … pic.twitter.com/7jmd4lwooq
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 4, 2025
He said, “I think my message is that we are halfway, the game outside was a good performance on our part, but against any opposition, the game is still alive. You then add the quality of the arsenal [and] We must be on our guard.
“We have to try to be positive and aggressive, there will be no deviation from this. We have to hire the crowd and try to make the most of all opportunities. »»
Delicate window for Howe
Newcastle failed to add to their team in the January window as they continue to fight with the requirements of the PSR, although they have generated essential income thanks to sales of Lloyd Kelly in Juventus and Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United.
“I said at the beginning, it was not a question of looking at the income, a case of trying to manage the expenses and not to weaken the team too much that it would be affected,” added Howe.
“We have managed the PSR and the two sales succeeds. The team is lighter but full of quality. We can always succeed. »»
Dread to let Kelly leave
The sale of Kelly was a special blow to Howe, but made sense financially with the Saudi club belonging to having a free transfer last summer.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily my decision to let him go, very reluctant on our side,” said Howe.
“Lloyd is a player we have just signed, we believe in his qualities. A little frustrating, he did not play more, but it may have been in the form of others. We had to try to manage the PSR and make decisions that take advantage of us, it is one of them. An exciting opportunity for him.
