Newcastle United's Carabao Cup defence came to a crushing conclusion in a dramatic night at St James' Park that saw Tottenham Hotspur snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with two late, late goals.
The Magpies appeared to be cruising towards the quarter-finals after Danish defender Fabian Schär's powerful 34th-minute header gave them a deserved lead. Eddie Howe's side controlled proceedings for large periods, with summer signing Yankuba Minteh particularly impressive on his full debut.
Spurs' Resurrection in Stoppage Time
Just as the fourth official's board showed five minutes of added time, Tottenham produced a moment of magic that would change the complexion of the entire tie. Australian manager Ange Postecoglou's decision to introduce 21-year-old German forward Timo Woltemade paid immediate dividends when the substitute rose highest to nod home Ivan Perisic's pinpoint cross in the 94th minute.
The goal sent the travelling Spurs support into delirium and visibly deflated a Newcastle side that had fought valiantly to protect their slender advantage.
Extra-Time Agony for Toon Army
With the match extended by another 30 minutes, the momentum had swung decisively in Tottenham's favour. The winning goal arrived in the 108th minute when Brazilian forward Richarlison, another second-half substitute, demonstrated his aerial prowess with a clinical header that gave Martin Dúbravka no chance in the Newcastle goal.
The defeat marks a significant setback for Newcastle, who won this competition last season to secure their first major trophy in decades. For Tottenham, it represents another step forward in Postecoglou's rebuilding project and keeps alive their hopes of silverware this campaign.
What This Means for Both Clubs
For Newcastle: The elimination leaves Champions League qualification as their primary route back into Europe, increasing pressure on their Premier League campaign.
For Tottenham: Progress to the quarter-finals maintains their momentum in what has been an impressive start to the Postecoglou era, offering genuine hope of ending their long trophy drought.
