For the second time in three seasons, Eddie Howe and Newcastle United will play in the Carabao Cup final, thanks to a stellar performance in the semi-final second leg against a much-fancied Arsenal side.

Goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon either side of half time were enough to ease nerves and complete a comfortable 4-0 aggregate victory, and successfully book the Magpies’ place in March’s final at Wembley.

Here’s what Eddie Howe had to say after the monumental result:

A tactical risk with a terrific reward

Much like the first leg where Howe had to adapt to playing without club captain Bruno, the Mags were without another Brazilian in Joelinton for what was feared to be a physical game against a strong Arsenal side.

Switching to a back 5 with the trio of Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar all starting, we were treat to a defensive clinic from the Newcastle backline, a vast improvement from recent home performances at St James’ Park.

“Our team selection was based on having height, especially without Joelinton, we needed Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman. We defended the set plays really well today.”

”We were always going to play the same way. We were brave, aggressive, everything we wanted to be.”

“Physically I thought we were much better this evening. A really good performance.”

Outclassing Arteta once again

For the third time this season, Eddie Howe coached Newcastle to a win over Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and kept a clean sheet in the process.

From a tactical point-of-view, this may have been the most impressive performance out of the lot, with Howe knowing even one mistake could have proven costly for his side.

“It was a great night for us. It was a tough game but tactically we were good.”

“The work started on Monday, which is quick. The Champions League last year helped us to work on those two-day turnarounds. We do tweak things depending on the opposition.”

“You know you are playing against elite players and one mistake can make things difficult. We had to be ourselves, be front foot. If not then it can quickly be 1-0 and 2-0 and then you are on the back foot.”

“We wanted to get pressure on them, and in order to do that we had to get bodies in the right areas and press high – that is how we decided to do it.”

On making history as Newcastle manager

With tonight’s win, Howe has become the first Toon manager in over 70 years to lead the side to multiple finals at Wembley.

And yet, Howe has remained humble in his focus and says that he and the side must remain concentrated on the tasks ahead.

“That’s nice to hear but the challenge is to win the cup. We’re not bothered who we play. The crowd, the atmosphere, the scarves were incredible tonight. I took a minute to soak it in.”

“The players deserve the credit. They’ve been magnificent for me. They’ve given everything physically and mentally. I think we learned a lot from that day (the 2023 final).

“You learn techniques from that. There’s things as a club we can improve for when that day comes around. We haven’t gone there yet. Just very pleased to have got through this tie.”

Joelinton and Botman injury concerns

Howe provided a brief update on the fitness of two of his star players, ahead of a busy month filled with crunch fixtures.

Joelinton, who came off early against Fulham last weekend, is expected to be out for “weeks, not months” with a knee injury, according to the gaffer.

“I don’t think it’s a serious injury, but it will be enough to make him miss the next few league games.”

Botman meanwhile was also substituted with a knee issue, though no timeline was given on the Dutchman’s current status or if he’ll miss the weekend’s trip to St Andrew’s.

“I don’t quite know what the problem was with Sven, why he had to be withdrawn. I think it was a knee issue, and we hope it’s okay, he’s such an important player.”

“I was very, very pleased with his performance, but of course we need to check the injury and check he’s okay.”