Holders continue Carabao Cup defence after downing Spurs | OneFootball

The Carabao Cup holders Newcastle United continued their defence of their crown as they defeated Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.

Both teams fielded almost full-strength sides with both Eddie Howe and Thomas Frank hoping for silverware this year.

Frank won't be happy with the way his team conceded their first goal in what was a pretty even game overall.

In the season of set-pieces it was Sandro Tonali whipping in an out-swinging corner delivery from the right in the 24th minute of the game. Swiss defender Fabian Schär was probably surprised at how much space he had to head his effort past Antonín Kinsky from close range.

While there was not much Kinsky could have done for the opener he certainly should have done better for Newcastle's second.

The Magpies won possession inside the Spurs half with Joe Willock floating in a cross that Kinsky attempted to punch away. However, the Czech goalkeeper missed his cue allowing Nick Woltemade his sixth goal in just 11 games for his new side.

Newcastle were cruising from that point on but should have been reduced to 10 men late on. Joelinton, for reasons only he knows, decided to bring down Mohammed Kudus in a wild challenge.

Fortunately for the Brazilian there was no VAR and Chris Kavanagh for some reason decided the offence was only worthy of a yellow – and that was only for the aftermath in which Kudus was also booked.

However, that was the only blemish on what was otherwise a great night for Newcastle as they move on in the competition they have done so well in in recent seasons.