Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has urged his players to maintain their strong form as they prepare to face Arsenal in the League Cup semifinals. With six consecutive victories across all competitions, including impressive wins over Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, Howe emphasized the importance of continuing their high-level performances.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's first-leg trip to Arsenal, he called for focus and balance, urging his team to remain defensively solid while creating opportunities against their formidable opponents.
Howe highlighted the collective effort of the team, particularly praising striker Alexander Isak, who scored in their recent 2-1 victory over Tottenham, marking his seventh consecutive Premier League game with a goal.
The manager credited Isak's success to the team’s ability to create chances, emphasizing the importance of their unity and strong performances. Howe acknowledged Isak’s finishing ability but stressed that the entire squad's contributions were instrumental in their attacking success.
Newcastle also welcomed a defensive boost with the return of Sven Botman, who featured against Tottenham after recovering from anterior cruciate ligament surgery in March.
Howe was cautious about rushing Botman back into action, stating that further discussions with the medical team and the player would determine his involvement against Arsenal.
Despite some fatigue toward the end of his return match, Botman’s determination and performance were praised, showcasing his commitment to the team.
Looking ahead to the semifinal clash, Howe stressed the significance of the match and the need for Newcastle to maintain their momentum. He encouraged the players to build on their recent performances without overthinking their approach, focusing instead on executing their game plan effectively.
With confidence running high, Newcastle aims to take full advantage of their current form as they push for a spot in the League Cup final.
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