Newcastle laboured to a 1-0 win over League Two aspect AFC Wimbledon to e-book their place within the fourth spherical of the Carabao Cup.
In a recreation that was rescheduled, after which reversed to St James’ Park attributable to AFC Wimbledon’s unlucky pitch issues, it took a Fabian Schar penalty to separate the perimeters, who’re separated within the league pyramid by 72 locations.
Eddie Howe’s much-changed aspect, with eight swaps from the weekend’s draw with Manchester Metropolis, have been annoyed by their fourth-tier guests, and made laborious work of issues till Miguel Almiron was felled by Joe Pigott in first-half stoppage time.
Schar despatched the ensuing spot-kick with a peaceful, composed end, which in the end proved decisive, with out being altogether convincing.
On a extra constructive notice, Howe acquired to trial the usage of 21-year-old striker Will Osula – a £10m summer season signing from Sheffield United – within the absence of injured duo Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, who could but be lacking for numerous weeks.
Osula was sharp on the ball, and would possibly give Howe an alternative choice in assault, after he was pressured to deploy Anthony Gordon as a false 9 in opposition to Man Metropolis.
2023 finalists Newcastle now advance to a fourth-round assembly with Chelsea, which can happen on the finish of October.
Howe annoyed by gradual tempo
Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe:
“It’s job done. We’re through to the next round, that’s the most important thing always in these competitions.
“It was a really troublesome recreation and I used to be annoyed with our attacking play, particularly within the first half we did not transfer the ball shortly sufficient and weren’t dynamic sufficient, however the constructive was that we defended very well.”
Carabao Cup fourth-round attract full
Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton vs Stoke Metropolis
Tottenham vs Man Metropolis
Newcastle vs Chelsea
Man United vs Leicester
Brighton vs Liverpool
Preston vs Arsenal
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Key dates for remainder of the competitors
Quarter-final: w/c December 16
Semi-final: w/c January 6 2025 (first leg) & w/c February 3 2025 (second leg)
Ultimate: Sunday March 16 2025