'Damage' - Alan Shearer and Eddie Howe in agreement after Newcastle United's win v Chelsea
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The Magpies ended a run of three matches without a win to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before an own goal from Axel Disasi made it 2-0 moments later.
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Hide AdIt was a first-half that Howe and Shearer believes was a “hallmark” Newcastle performance.
Howe said: “We needed a performance and a result and I think we got that tonight, especially in the first-half. I thought it was hallmark us at our best, front-foot and really good energy, good feel and quality. A massive win for us.
“I always think football and games change in a heartbeat and also feelings and momentum can change really quickly. For us, when you’re in a difficult moment, you need someone to spark you into life the opposite way and the only people that can do that is us - players, staff coming together to win football matches which is what we need to do.
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Hide Ad“The intention was really good from the players today. I think you could see from kick-off we were there mentally. The quality, for me, has never been in doubt. The fitness levels and sharpness were good today.
“We beat a very good team today, I know they made changes but they’re still a top team full of outstanding players so really big performance from the group.”
Meanwhile, Shearer added: “Good performance from Newcastle, who did the damage to Chelsea in the first half. The energy, the pressing, it was back to what these fans have gotten used to seeing under Eddie Howe.
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Hide Ad“They had to defend in the second half, Chelsea missed a few really big chances, which helped. A win, the clean sheet, into the quarter-finals. A really positive night for Newcastle.”
Howe’s side will look to take that momentum into Saturday when they host Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
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