Newcastle took one step closer to a Wembley date last night coming away from St Mary’s with a one-goal cushion heading into the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg next Tuesday.
While it was all singing and dancing in the St Mary’s away end at full time, the messaging from the gaffer and the players was consistent – we’re not there yet, it’s only halfway.
Eddie Howe said to NUFC TV after the game: “It’s evenly balanced. I’ve been in football too long to think anything is even close to being done. We’ve got a lot of work to do”
Also speaking to NUFC TV, Alexander Isak who came on as a substitute as Newcastle started to struggle and helped the team turn the tides and even set up Joelinton’s goal, said: “We are aware that this is just the first half and we have the next week to finish it off.”
It’s great that the players are keeping their feet on the ground and are keeping focused on the second leg. There wasn’t even the usual dressing room celebration photograph after the game, further emphasising the point that it is only half time.
However, fans are already blocking up hotel websites booking their rooms for the final, many have even already bought tickets for Wembley such is the confidence that we will progress.
It is hard to not get carried away given the circumstances. We are carrying a lead into a tie at St James’ Park, the fortress. But the fact remains, there are still 90 minutes of football to be played before we can all tell our mother’s that we won’t be home for tea.