Woltemade Hot Streak Fires Newcastle Past Spurs

Published: 30 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The Carabao Cup trophy gleamed in the main reception at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening, a silent reminder of last season’s triumph. For Tottenham, it was an object of inspiration as the players trooped past it en route to the away dressing room. Yet, any thoughts of motivation were soon eclipsed by Newcastle’s own desire to retain the silverware, a determination that proved stronger and ultimately decisive. Eddie Howe, speaking after the match, described the performance as “in line with our identity and expectations. We were strong,” words that summed up a night of tactical discipline, attacking fluidity, and youthful energy.

Howe’s side could have been forgiven for placing greater emphasis on the Champions League and Premier League fixtures, yet Newcastle approached the Carabao Cup with the same zeal that carried them to Wembley glory in March. From the outset, it was evident that the Magpies were intent on demonstrating that last season’s victory was no fluke. Goals from Fabian Schär and Nick Woltemade, complemented by another commanding midfield display from Sandro Tonali, ensured that Newcastle would progress comfortably to the quarter-finals, where a home tie against Fulham awaits in December.

Newcastle’s tactical approach reflected Howe’s adaptability. Though Tottenham had impressed with a variety of attacking buildups in previous matches, Howe tweaked his 4-3-3 system to create overloads down the flanks, often sending a full-back—either Emil Krafth or Dan Burn—into advanced positions. This temporary transformation into a back three provided Newcastle with both defensive solidity and attacking width, forcing Tottenham to adjust constantly and struggle to find a rhythm.

Tonali once again showcased his qualities as a modern midfielder, combining defensive awareness with incisive attacking play. His ability to orchestrate the tempo left Spurs struggling to anticipate Newcastle’s movements, and despite a missed opportunity for Harvey Barnes early in the match, Newcastle’s attacking rhythm remained steady. Brennan Johnson also had a clear chance during a counterattack but sliced his shot wide, highlighting moments of frustration for Spurs amidst Newcastle’s dominance.

The home fans, who had endured delays entering the stadium due to a Microsoft internet outage affecting ticket downloads, were eventually rewarded for their patience. The breakthrough came when Schär connected with Tonali’s corner to power a header past Antonin Kinsky, exploiting Spurs’ zonal marking and the temporary absence of Djed Spence, whose boot was untied at the crucial moment. Howe’s tactical patience and the quality of Schär’s execution underlined the value of experience blended with precise preparation. Schär, who had been sidelined after a concussion and temporarily displaced by Malick Thiaw, demonstrated why he remains an integral part of Newcastle’s defensive setup.

With Sven Botman rested, Newcastle made eight changes to their lineup compared to Spurs’ four, a decision that allowed Schär to partner Thiaw effectively in central defense and subdue Tottenham’s attacking threats. Despite Lucas Bergvall’s industrious performance, Tottenham struggled to test goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale consistently, a reflection of both Newcastle’s defensive organization and Spurs’ lack of cutting edge. Moments such as Barnes’ late volley, which clattered off the crossbar following fine work from Tonali and Thiaw, underlined Newcastle’s continued dominance and the missed opportunities for their visitors.

Nick Woltemade, increasingly vital to Howe’s plans, scored Newcastle’s second goal with a precise header early in the second half. Meeting a perfectly delivered Joe Willock cross, he capitalized on a miscommunication between Kinsky and Kevin Danso to extend the lead. The goal highlighted not only Woltemade’s aerial prowess but also the team’s emphasis on set-piece efficiency—a point Howe stressed after the match: “It’s something we’ve worked on really hard lately. We’ve got the height and power to cause teams problems.” With six goals to his name for Newcastle already this season, Woltemade remains focused on overall team play, insisting he is happiest when contributing both in possession and off the ball.

While Newcastle’s dominance was evident in attack and on set-pieces, Ramsdale’s goalkeeping ensured that Spurs could not mount a comeback. His save from Pape Sarr, for instance, demonstrated the importance of composure under pressure and the fine margins that separate victory from extended competition. The Magpies’ tactical execution, combined with the goalkeeper’s assurance, left Spurs searching for answers throughout the match.

The final stages of the game allowed Newcastle’s fans to celebrate with confidence. Their Carabao Cup anthem from last season, “Tell me Ma, I won’t be home for tea … we’re going to Wemberlee,” rang around St James’ Park as Howe introduced several substitutes to close out the game. Joelinton, who had been involved in a reckless challenge on substitute Mohammed Kudus, escaped more serious punishment than he perhaps deserved, highlighting moments of intensity and emotion that typify knockout cup football. Kudus, who responded physically, further underscored the heated nature of the match but Newcastle’s composure ensured that such incidents did not overshadow the result.

Newcastle’s ability to rotate players effectively while maintaining performance quality was a hallmark of Howe’s management this season. The balance of youth and experience allowed them to dominate a Spurs side that had its own Champions League and Premier League ambitions, yet struggled to impose themselves. Tonali’s midfield mastery, Schär’s defensive solidity and set-piece threat, and Woltemade’s attacking instinct created a formula that Spurs could not crack.

The result serves as another reminder of Newcastle’s rising stature in English football. By combining tactical flexibility, youth integration, and individual brilliance, Howe’s side is steadily consolidating its place among the country’s elite clubs. Tottenham, while showing flashes of quality, were unable to exploit Newcastle’s occasional defensive vulnerabilities and will need to regroup ahead of their next fixtures in multiple competitions.

For Newcastle, the Carabao Cup run offers both a confidence boost and tangible progress toward retaining the trophy. With a blend of experienced internationals and exciting young talent, the Magpies have proven they can compete on multiple fronts while maintaining the style and identity that Howe has instilled. As the team looks forward to December’s quarter-final against Fulham, the foundations of success remain strong, and the club’s supporters have plenty to celebrate.