Advertisement

Newcastle into first major final since 1999 on incredible night at St James' Park

Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff celebrates scoring their first goal with Kieran Trippier - Newcastle United blow Southampton away to reach the League Cup final - latest reaction - Lee Smith/Reuters
Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff celebrates scoring their first goal with Kieran Trippier - Newcastle United blow Southampton away to reach the League Cup final - latest reaction - Lee Smith/Reuters

By Luke Edwards, at St James's Park

The tumultuous sound that accompanied the first whistle and greeted the last was almost a quarter of a century in the making as Newcastle United headed into the first cup final for 24 years in predictably raucous style.

Newcastle fans had come expecting a party and that is what they got as Eddie Howe’s formidable side survived a late wobble against Southampton to stride towards Wembley.

Whatever happens there, this night will go down in Geordie folklore, a tale to be told for many moons, even though Newcastle managed to turn a simple task into a far more complicated one following Bruno Guimarares second half sending off.

A game that had been drifting towards a predictable conclusion after Sean Longstaff two first half goals – after a telephone finishing tutorial from former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer – became intense.

But the crowd which had gone quiet as the contest meandered and their team protected a 3-1 aggregate lead, helped carry the ten men home on a shield of roars, chants and songs.

Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United FC (36) celebrates after scoring Newcastles second goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Serena Taylor/Getty Images
Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United FC (36) celebrates after scoring Newcastles second goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Serena Taylor/Getty Images

It means an excellent season, which still could bring Champions League qualification, now stands on the brink of delivering a first domestic trophy since 1955. History is there to be made, immortality there for taking.

“I feel really good, I’m so proud of the players and what a brilliant night,” said Howe. “We are aware of what it means to people, the feeling around the city and it’s nice to see how much it means. It was an incredible place to play football tonight.

“When we arrived last season all we saw ahead of us was a relegation battle but it has been a brilliant ride up to this point. We’ve got one more game to go, though, we want to win the final.

“We embrace the history of this club, but we want to create history for ourselves now. I’m uncomfortable with the individual praise for me, that’s just the sort of person I am. I would much rather it went to the players.”

The noise before kick off was as loud as it has ever been at this old ground. They came with black and white flags, they belted out new songs and old favourites and when the roar went up it was like an ancient tribe belting out a war cry. It was noise you felt rather than just heard. The Geordies were ready for battle.

Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United celebrates at full time during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United celebrates at full time during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Southampton walked into the arena and were put under pressure and duress. Already trailing by a goal to nil after Newcastle’s away win last week, the worst thing they could do was concede early.

They needed to quieten the crowd, allow the nerves to play on the minds of supporters who have spent more than half a decade waiting for the chance to win a trophy.

Newcastle last turned Wembley Way black and white back in 1999, a second successive FA Cup final defeat, the first to double winners Arsenal, the second to treble winners Manchester United. Big days out soured by failure.

Nobody thought it would take so long to be back there. The rot set in before Mike Ashley’s takeover in 2007 but it spread rapidly under him until all that was left was a hollow shell of a once-proud football club.

Ashley killed dreams and extinguished hope. Cup competitions were viewed as nothing more than a distraction to the main, unglorified, often tedious battle to remain in the Premier League.

That was the background, that was the root cause of the roar that left Geordie throats, not just inside the stadium but in the city’s bars and pubs that were packed to the rafters too. This was a city wide party and Southampton were here to try and spoil it.

That was the plan but it lay in tatters after five minutes. Longstaff was one of three Geordies in the squad and his finishing has been about the only negative thing to say about him this season.

This week, the 25-year-old rang Shearer, the club’s former captain and record goalscorer for a telephone tutorial on the art of finishing. It lasted about 20 minutes. The results were instant. Longstaff played the ball wide to Kieran Trippier, continuing his run into the area, where he smashed a shot past goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.

The worst start for Southampton and it did not look like getting any better. Newcastle were dominant and Longstaff doubled the lead, finishing a flowing team move with a confident and clinical side-footed finish.

Southampton, though, did have something up their sleeve. A lazy pass from Dan Burn, a poor one from Joe Willock, gifted Che Adams the ball just outside the area and his shot nestled in the far corner. We had a game again.

It was the first goal Nick Pope had conceded since November 6th and brought an end to a run of eight successive clean sheets for the England goalkeeper.

It knocked the Magpies out of their stride. There was some anxiety in their play. The next goal would be crucial and Southampton’s Adam Armstrong, the former Newcastle Academy player, had a wonderful chance to get it, played onside by a dawdling Trippier, he was denied by the long leg of Pope.

Newcastle woke up, Longstaff denied a hat trick when his long-range volley was saved by Bazunu. Bruno Guimaraes went close too. It was the Brazilian’s final threat, his yellow card for studs up challenge on Sam Edozie upgraded to a straight red after a VAR intervention.

Southampton sensed a fight back was on but James Ward-Prowse’s free kick hit the wall and Newcastle ran down the clock with their usual skill. Even with ten men, there is not a harder team to score against in England.

“We were undone by a slow start, really disappointed with the first 20 minutes which gave us a mountain to climb,” said Saints boss Nathan Jones.

“We were the better side after scoring but to score three goals here, against this team at St James’ Park, was too much to do. We took a quality side to the wire, there are positives to take from that, but we got punished for some suicidal defending.”


Newcastle vs Southampton: as it happened


10:52 PM

Eddie Howe speaks

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, speaking to Sky Sports:

"It was an intense game. At 2-0, we were playing really well and their goals changed the dynamic. Part of our problem was the psychological aspect. Southampton had nothing to lose and we were feeling the pressure.

"You want to be in the finals of competitions to increase your status and make yourself more desirable for people to join. This is a club on the up."

"Sean Longstaff is pivotal. He's Newcastle through and through. I think he's an excellent player and adding goals will only improve other people's awareness of that. He's been great this season.

"I've always believed he's an excellent finisher and converting that to a game is difficult. I always believe if you get in the right areas it will come together and he did that today."

On whether he'd pick winning the EFL Cup or a top four finish:

"I can't choose between them. We are going for everything. As much as we can achieve, we will go for."

On Bruno Guimaraes' sending off:

"It's a huge blow and it will take time to sink in for me. He's a big player but it offers an opportunity for another player."


10:44 PM

Someone's happy...


10:38 PM

More reaction

Newcastle's Kieran Trippier, speaking to Sky Sports:

"When I got injured it was difficult but I felt like it was important to travel with the lads to away games and be there for them. I wanted to help the team in a difficult moment on and off the pitch.

"I feel that pre-season was massive and the manager stamped his authority on the way he wanted to play. We have worked hard on the training pitch and long may it continue."


10:34 PM

Someone's happy


10:33 PM

in other news

Chelsea have broken the British transfer record to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Get all the latest from our dedicated deadline day blog.


10:29 PM

Inside the dressing room

Television cameras were allowed inside the Newcastle dressing room to catch the first moments of their celebration. Great to see Jonjo Shelvey in there with his former teammates after his deadline day move to Nottingham Forest.


10:25 PM

Tip of the cap to Saints

Southampton played their part tonight and that should be recognised. Che Adams superb goal at the end of the first half stunned the host and made the second half decidedly less comfortable for them.

Nathan Jones has plenty to build on with his side as they now turn to their main goal. Avoiding Premier League relegation


10:22 PM

Watch: Longstaff puts Newcastle ahead


10:18 PM

Unreal...

There were almost glazed looks on the faces of Eddie Howe and the Newcastle players as they walked around St James's Park saluting the fans.

The reaction from the stands is simply stunning. I mean really amazing. Something is happening here in the north-east and despite the valid questions over the ownership, it's hard not to get wrapped up in it.


10:13 PM

Reaction from two home-town players

Dan Burn, speaking to Sky Sports:

"I've never played in an atmospher like before. I could feel myself gettin emotional before the game. The stmosphere was that good.

"It's hard to sum it up. I've never played in an atmosphere like that. I was getting emotional and had to hold myself together.

"We had to hold our nerve after letting them back in. It was disappointing to concede, he struck it well to be fair. They were always going to come at us second half but we stuck it out."

Sean Longstaff, speaking to Sky Sports:

"It's been a long time since there's been a night like this in Newcastle. Just an unbelievable night. It's amazing what's happened in a year. It's really special what we're building here.

"It's a really special night not just for me but for everyone in Newcastle. It has been so long since a night like this. It's unbelievable. All the energy left my body after I celebrated.

"Luckily I've scored a few tonight. it's not about me it's about the team and the manager has put a great one together. It's amazing what can happen in a year. If you said 12 months ago that something like this could happen then people would laugh at you.

"It's special and really emotional. We don't want to stop we want to keep going and this is just the start."


10:09 PM

The journey continues

Newcastle took their foot off the gas in that second half and in fairness Saints played much better but the hosts did their damage in the first 20 minutes.

The journey continues for Newcastle, Eddie Howe and what feels like every single Geordie in the north-east.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates after the match - Scott Heppell/Reuters
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates after the match - Scott Heppell/Reuters

10:04 PM

St James's is bouncing

Que Sera Sera is blaring out around St James's Park. The Newcastle fans are basking in that warm Wembley glow.

Amazing scenes.


10:01 PM

FULL TIME: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Newcastle are going to Wembley...


10:00 PM

90+8 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Bree finds himself free on the right after an excellent cross-field pass. Dan Burn is out quickly though and Bree's cross flies away for a goal kick.

Newcastle are nearly there now.


09:58 PM

90+6 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

A good chance wasted for Saints. Ward-Prowse whips a corner low into the box where it finds an unmarked Lavia, just on the edge of the six-yard box.

His effort is wild though and skies over the bar. Got to go down as a big chance.


09:55 PM

90+4 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Alexander Isak is down. He took that Ward-Prowse free-kick to the head and will have to go off to be checked for concussion.

Jamaal Lascelles will replace him. This will mean we'll stretch to at least ten minutes of added time I imagine.


09:54 PM

90+2 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Jacob Murphy does well to close down Perraud on the edge of the box and block a fierce shot on goal.

Bodies on the line stuff now.

Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and Newcastle United's Sven Botman battle for the ball during the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park, Newcastle upon Tyne - Owen Humphreys/PA
Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and Newcastle United's Sven Botman battle for the ball during the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park, Newcastle upon Tyne - Owen Humphreys/PA

09:51 PM

90 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Substitute Joe Aribo yells in frustration as his through ball drifts out of play in what was a promising position.

The crowd is up at St James's, they think they're on the way to Wembley.

Seven minutes added time though...


09:50 PM

88 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Dan Burn does superbly to make Edozie's life difficult after he's slipped into the Newcastle box down the right. The clearance from Schar is just as good.


09:47 PM

86 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Right then Saints, have you got something (or rather at least two things) up your sleeve here?


09:44 PM

82 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

This free kick is right in Ward-Prowe's wheel house..

The wall does well and St James's breaths a sign of relief.


09:43 PM

RED CARD (Newcastle)

Bruno Guimaraes is off!

It was a nasty challenge in fairness. Newcastle will need to see this out with ten men.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes appears dejected after being shown a red card for serious foul play during the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park, Newcastle upon Tyne - Owen Humphreys/PA
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes appears dejected after being shown a red card for serious foul play during the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park, Newcastle upon Tyne - Owen Humphreys/PA

09:42 PM

80 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Guimaraes is booked soon after and rightly so. That must be at least his fourth foul of this half.

There might be more though....Paul Tierney is approaching the monitor.


09:40 PM

79 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Close. Guimaraes drives from midfield, he's looking for the pass but eventually settles for a speculative effort with his left foot from distance.

Bazunu is at full stretch as the ball clips the outside of the post.


09:37 PM

76 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Chances everywhere now.

Newcastle want a handball in the box on Lavia but while some are appealing, Longstaff strikes a superb effort on the volley which is well saved by Bazunu.

Isak then looks to feed on the rebound but it's again well dealt with by Bazunu.


09:35 PM

74 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

St James's Park is making itself heard now. They want more from their side after that scare.


09:34 PM

73 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

What a chance for Saints!

Lavia plays a wonderful pass through to Armstrong, who's onside and clear through on goal. He tries to lift it over Nick Pope, who makes a vital save.

He might have tried to take it round him maybe? Either way that's a huge bullet dodged for Newcastle.


09:33 PM

Longstaff’s excellent second

Quiet start to this half...enjoy Newcastle's superb second.


09:31 PM

70 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Edozie is flagged for offside as he tries to slip in behind Dan Burn. Could Newcastle look to be a little more direct here?

Bruno Guimaraes is furious after he thought he is blown for a hand ball after he grabbed at the ball thinking he was fouled.


09:29 PM

65 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Joelinton has slipped very comfortably into a deeper midfield position for Newcastle. His prowess further up the pitch this season has been much lauded but his versatility is another string to what is becoming a very accomplished bow.


09:24 PM

62 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

For all their confidence at the start of this half it's tough to see where these goals are going to come from for Saints. Newcastle look very, very solid here.

Newcastle United's Swiss defender Fabian Schar (C) fights for the ball with Southampton's English midfielder Samuel Edozie (L) during the English League Cup semi final football match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United's Swiss defender Fabian Schar (C) fights for the ball with Southampton's English midfielder Samuel Edozie (L) during the English League Cup semi final football match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

09:22 PM

60 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Saint-Maximin looks like he's about to come on along with Alexander Isak and public enemy No 1 in Southampton, Jacob Murphy.

Southampton's Duje Caleta-Car walks of the pitch after being shown a red card as Newcastle United's Jacob Murphy - David Klein/Reuters
Southampton's Duje Caleta-Car walks of the pitch after being shown a red card as Newcastle United's Jacob Murphy - David Klein/Reuters

09:18 PM

56 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Newcastle appear willing to allow Saints to have possession here, sitting deep and looking very rigid at the back.

It's not a surprise to see Saint-Maximin warming up on the sideline. He could give the host's some real potency on the break.


09:15 PM

53 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Newcastle have a free kick in a great position. The first thought is that this is made fro Trippier therefore it's a surprise to see Schar strike it instead.

His effort is tame and into the wall. That'll be his last free-kick effort of the evening, that's for sure.

Newcastle United's Swiss defender Fabian Schar (C) takes a free kick during the English League Cup semi final football match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United's Swiss defender Fabian Schar (C) takes a free kick during the English League Cup semi final football match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

09:13 PM

51 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Neat work down the left frees Perraud, who cuts a ball back into the area in the direction of Adams. Newcastle clear but there are signs Saints very much fancy the fight here.


09:11 PM

50 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Saints have started as they will have wanted to. A bit more time in possession, a bit more control but it's cutting edge that's required.

James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Dan Burn of Newcastle United challenge during the Carabao Cup - Richard Sellers/Getty Images
James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Dan Burn of Newcastle United challenge during the Carabao Cup - Richard Sellers/Getty Images

09:09 PM

48 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

This is as muted as the ground has been so far tonight. The noise is coming from the tiny Saints contingent up in the gods. A tinge of nerves around St James's perhaps?


09:07 PM

45 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

You won't hear this crack piece of analysis anywhere else tonight so here you go.

The next goal is vital here...


09:06 PM

Here we go...

Lavia and Perraud are both on for Saints with Alcaraz and Lyanco both coming off. A change in formation perhaps?


09:00 PM

First-half analysis

There really was some superb football in that first half from Newcastle. Bruno Guimaraes, Willock and Longstaff were combining with the kind of synergy you see from really top sides, with the added industry of Joelinton and Almiron offering a razor-sharp edge.

The Saints goal came from nothing really and though it keeps them very much in the tie, Eddie Howe will surely feel his side have this one in hand should they replicate that first-half performance.

The visitors did find something in the last 20 minutes and Adams in particular looks a thorn in Newcastle's side. But they need to get James Ward-Prowse on the ball more as he's been overrun by that excellent Newcastle midfield.


08:51 PM

HALF TIME: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Engrossing half at St James's Park. I can't believe I'm saying it after that breathless Newcastle start but Saints are still in this. They must score next though.


08:49 PM

45+2 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Salisu is whistled for a high foot on Almiron as he tries to clear the ball. Trippier has a dangerous position to work with here...


08:46 PM

44 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Bree plays a dangerous ball in from the right and Adam Armstong is there first only for his touch to let him down at the worst moment. Ding-dong stuff at St James's.


08:44 PM

42 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

In fairness to Newcastle they haven't let that Saints goal knock them off their game. The pressure on the Saints back line is still high and the link-up between the midfield three still very neat.

Newcastle United's English defender Kieran Trippier (L) eyes the ball after shooting it during the English League Cup semi final football match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United's English defender Kieran Trippier (L) eyes the ball after shooting it during the English League Cup semi final football match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

08:42 PM

40 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Salisu is remonstrating with Bednarek after the defender gets in the way of a back pass that was intended for Bazunu. Saints look shaky at the back but their confidence going forward has clearly grown.


08:39 PM

37 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Newcastle look very dangerous coming down the Saints' right and draw another corner after a pretty desperate piece of defending from Benderek.


08:37 PM

36 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Walker-Peters is off, with Sam Edozie coming on to replace him.


08:36 PM

35 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

There's belief in the Saints side now and suddenly more space is appearing. Adams' hold-up play is good and there are options for the visitors now.

But there's bad news for Saints as well. Kyle Walker-Peters is down and looks like me may not be able to continue.


08:35 PM

32 mins: Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (3-1)

Callum Wilson goes down in the area as he tries to get onto another superb cross from Trippier. Protests were strong from the Newcastle striker but Var says no after review..


08:30 PM

GOAL (Southampton)

Well now...

Talk about against the run of play. A loose ball from Willock is picked up by Che Adams, who unleashes a superb strike from 25 yards out that beats the seemingly impenetrable Nick Pope.

Dare we say game on?

Southampton's Che Adams scores their side's first goal of the game during the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park - Owen Humphreys/PA
Southampton's Che Adams scores their side's first goal of the game during the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park - Owen Humphreys/PA

08:29 PM

26 mins: Newcastle 2-0 Southampton (3-0)

How does Nathan Jones approach this now?

He may throw caution to the wind and go for it with nothing to lose but at this rate they could ship several more.

A hammering surely needs to be avoided at all costs.


08:26 PM

24 mins: Newcastle 2-0 Southampton (3-0)

Ally McCoist hits the nail on the head. Newcastle have been relentless so far. They'd trouble any team in the country in this mood in front of this crowd.


08:22 PM

GOAL (Newcastle)

What. A. Goal.

This Newcastle team is seemingly telepathic at the moment. Joelinton releases Willock who cuts in to find Almiron, who's popped up on the right all of a sudden.

The winger cuts the ball back into the box in a dangerous area where it's Longstaff again who finds the final touch.

A pure team goal from Newcastle. To say Saints are chasing shadows would be a massive understatement.

Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United scores the team's second goal during the Carabao Cup - Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United scores the team's second goal during the Carabao Cup - Gareth Copley/Getty Images

08:20 PM

17 mins: Newcastle 1-0 Southampton (2-0)

Saints hate St James's.

They have only won one of their last 18 at St James's in all competitions.

So far you can tell..


08:18 PM

15 mins: Newcastle 1-0 Southampton (2-0)

The confidence oozing out of this Newcastle team is palpable. Neat interplay from deep inside their own half creates space for Longstaff in the middle of the park. His ball towards Wilson is cut off by Bednarek but it's another dangerous position for the hosts.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes in action with Southampton's Che Adams - Scott Heppell/Reuters
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes in action with Southampton's Che Adams - Scott Heppell/Reuters

08:15 PM

13 mins: Newcastle 1-0 Southampton (2-0)

Joelinton does well down the right, slipping past Bree before driving into the area and releasing a powerful shot which is desperately blocked by Southampton.

From the ensuing corner, Schar gets up well and draws a sharp save from Bazunu.


08:12 PM

10 mins: Newcastle 1-0 Southampton (2-0)

Saints have been blown off the pitch in this first ten minutes. Newcaslte seem like they have an extra player on the pitch. The visitors must score next otherwise this semi-final is going to be over.


08:10 PM

7 mins: Newcastle 1-0 Southampton (2-0)

It should be two. Brilliant interplay between Guimaraes and Longstaff again and the goalscorer has a great opportunity inside the Saints' area.

His shot is wide this time though.


08:06 PM

GOAL (Newcastle)

Scenes...

We said they'd started well and boy have they. Brilliant work from Bruno Guimaraes sets up Longstaff, who then feeds Trippier on the right.

Southampton don't track Longstaff , who is unmarked in the area as he's fed by his captain. His finish is powerful and into the far corner.

Brilliant goal. Brilliant start.

Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Stu Forster/Getty Images
Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Stu Forster/Getty Images

08:05 PM

3 mins: Newcastle 0-0 Southampton (1-0)

Longstaff gets down to the byline and cuts one back into a dangerous area. Wilson gets there ahead of the Southampton defence but can't guide his effort towards goal.

Bright start from the hosts.


08:02 PM

'Can Southampton weather the early storm'

By Luke Edwards, at St James's Park

I've been inside St James' Park for Champions League nights and big European fixtures but the noise inside the stadium before kick off is something else entirely. More than half a century of silverware failure turned into something far more positive. Leicester were beaten the moment they stepped into the cauldron in the quarter final, can Southampton weather the early storm?


08:01 PM

We are underway

Newcastle get us started to an almighty roar at St James's.


07:59 PM

Here come the teams

Prediction time.

I'll put my neck on the line and say this one is going to be very, very tight. Can't see Saints rolling over and I think Newcaslte will certainly have to score at least once to qualify for Wembley.


07:54 PM

New signings on the pitch

Newcastle's latest signings Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby are being presented to the crowd at St James's.

A febrile atmosphere just went up another level.

Anthony Gordon applauds fans as he is unveiled before the match - Lee Smith/Reuters
Anthony Gordon applauds fans as he is unveiled before the match - Lee Smith/Reuters

07:51 PM

History not on Saints' side

Only two sides in history have qualified for the League Cup final after losing the first leg at home.

Saints will become the third if they pull off the upset at St James's tonight.


07:47 PM

Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports

There's a lot of buzz about the team from the supporters and rightly so. Hopefully that shows in a positive way tonight.


07:45 PM

Pre-match hype man


07:43 PM

Jones believes

"We have to believe we can win," is the message from Saints boss Nathan Jones as he speaks to Sky Sports ahead of this one.


07:40 PM

What an atmosphere

There's 20 minutes until kick off at St James's Park and the ground is already pretty much full.

Pretty Green Eyes by Ultrabeat is the song of choice at present. Needless to say it's pumping.

Fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere prior to the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere prior to the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere prior to the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Stu Forster/Getty Images
Fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere prior to the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Stu Forster/Getty Images
DJ Schak performs for the fans prior to kick-off in the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park, Newcastle upon Tyne - Owen Humphreys/PA
DJ Schak performs for the fans prior to kick-off in the Carabao Cup Semi Final second leg match at St. James's Park, Newcastle upon Tyne - Owen Humphreys/PA

07:35 PM

Saints' last final

While Newcastle's final drought could end tonight, Saints only have to go back to 2017 for their last appearance in a major final.

Their narrow 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the 2017 League Cup final was memorable but perhaps more so was their semi-final win over Liverpool, who they beat 2-0 on aggregate.

Their 1-0 win in the second leg at Anfield stands out especially. They'll need even greater heroics tonight surely.


07:31 PM

Eddie Howe on tonight's clash

"Last week was a tight game. I think first half we probably shaded it, second half definitely for a spell of 20-25 minutes they shaded it and we were indebted to Nick (Pope) to make a couple of really big saves in the game.

"Overall I was pleased with our performance but we know Southampton are a strong team. They've added players in the window as well, I think they've got a big squad, a talented squad and a new manager, a very talented manager. Certainly from our perspective - and I've drilled this into the players this week - this game is by no means over.

"This tie is not over. It's very much in the balance. We're going to need a top performance and we're going to need the crowd with us from minute one to the end, and hopefully we can get through."


07:23 PM

Bree's bow

What a night for James Bree, Southampton's latest signing who will make his Premier League debut in the cauldron that is St James's Park this evening.

The defender impressed in four seasons as a regular in the Championship at Luton before getting his move to the top flight this month.

James Bree of Southampton ahead of the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park - Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
James Bree of Southampton ahead of the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park - Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images

07:20 PM

Southamton's kit this evening...

Let's just call it avant-garde and leave it at that.

Inside the Southampton FC dressing room ahead of the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Inside the Southampton FC dressing room ahead of the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton - Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images

07:18 PM

Full transfer latest

To catch up with the latest transfer news ahead of the window shutting later tonight, head over to our live blog.


07:12 PM

One for us to remember – and for Joelinton to forget

He did in fact score the winner soon after...still a shocker of a miss though.


07:02 PM

Team news – Southampton

Nathan Jones has made four changes from the first leg, with Adam Armstrong, Che Adams, Jan Benderek and new signing James Bree all coming in. Caleta-Car, who was red carded last week, misses out, along with Mara, Djenpo and Orsic.


07:01 PM

Team news – Newcastle

Newcastle's XI tonight has a familiar feel and is unchanged from the side who beat Southampton at St Mary's last week. Anthony Gordon is cup tied for this one and is therefore not among the substitutes this evening. His debut will likely come against West Ham on Saturday.


06:59 PM

Don't underestimate Saints

Southampton have won a higher share of their Premier League points in away games than any other side this season (60 per cent - 9/15). Indeed, three of Saints' four victories this season have come on the road.

Underestimate Nathan Jones's side at your peril Newcastle fans.


06:57 PM

Stingy defence

This is a Premier League-only stat but goes a long way to underlining the rock-solid base upon which Newcastle's excellent season so far has been built.

Newcastle have kept a league-high 12 Premier League clean sheets this season, their most in a single top-flight campaign since 2011-12 (15). They've kept a clean sheet in each of their last six Premier League games – the last side to keep seven in a row with an English manager at the helm were Steve McClaren'sMiddlesbrough in December 2003.


06:54 PM

The scene is set

What an evening in store at St James's Park

A general view before the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park on January 31, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne - Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
A general view before the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park on January 31, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne - Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

06:45 PM

Good evening

It might be easy to forget that within the maelstrom that is transfer deadline day that there is some football, a semi-final no less, to enjoy this evening.

Newcastle welcome Southampton to St James’s Park for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with a 1-0 lead over Saints following last week’s clash on the south coast.

For the home side this is a huge 90 minutes. Newcastle’s passionate fanbase has not seen their side in a major final since the 1999 FA Cup final - where they left heartbroken after a loss to Manchester United.

They now have the chance to break that drought and in so doing continue what has been a remarkable season to date under Eddie Howe.

Loftier goals do lie ahead but patience has been a hallmark of Newcastle under their controversial new Saudi owners, with them appearing willing to climb the greasy pole of English football in a steady manner.

That process will reach a key milestone should they qualify tonight, with a clash with Manchester United in the final seeming most likely.

In truth, Newcastle should be in a better position after last week’s first leg. They dominated Saints for much of the 90 minutes at St Mary’s in a match that lacked quality and should really have netted at least twice more.

With the surge of the St James’s Park crowd behind them, it’s easy to see Newcaste coming out of the traps quickly tonight as they look to put this one to bed.

Which begs the question: can Saints make a good fist of this? They had their moments in the first leg and had Nick Pope not made a string of excellent second-half stops they would have got on the scoresheet themselves.

Therein lies the problem for Nathan Jones though as his side has been one for whom goals have been difficult to come by this season. It’s been 23 games in all competitions since Saints scored more than twice in a game.

You feel for them to have any shot tonight, that’s a run they will need to break.