Analysis: Howe saluted on return to St James' Parkpublished at 22:42 GMT 24 February
22:42 GMT 24 February
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
A lot can change in two and a half weeks.
Eddie Howe was the first to admit he was not doing his job "well enough" after his side were defeated in their last game on home soil earlier this month.
Newcastle were booed off by a section of supporters following a bruising 3-2 loss against Brentford at St James' Park.
But this side have responded - and how - since then with four wins in five matches.
No wonder, then, the home support unfurled a tifo of Howe in the Leazes End before kick-off.
A buoyant Newcastle raced out of the blocks - but such are the standards Howe has set that he was not completely satisfied even after his side took such an early lead and urged them to win the ball back quicker.
You suspect Howe was not best pleased when Qarabag went on to pull one back. Nor was Kieran Trippier for that matter, who launched the ball back into the centre circle after his side were denied a clean sheet on the night.
But this was a dominant aggregate victory as Newcastle broke a club record by winning six Champions League games in a single campaign for the first time.
They have reached the last 16 for only the second time, previously getting to the second group stage in 2003.
A big test awaits in the next round, but supporters are daring to dream.
"Is this the way to Barcelona?" they repeatedly sang. "Bayern Munich? Lazio? Roma? Geordie boys are taking over – Champions League awaits for me!"
Newcastle 3-2 Qarabag: What Howe saidpublished at 22:36 GMT 24 February
22:36 GMT 24 February
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to Amazon Prime: "I thought at 2-0 we probably came off the pedal. We didn't intend to do that, but it was sort of the natural reaction. In the second half, the game became end-to-end which, for us, was a real shame. For one, we extended too much energy, and it meant we didn't put pressure on their goal, so we're disappointed with that 45 minutes."
On Nick Woltemade's performance: "I think the main thing we've been saying to him is to stay between the lines. Certainly don't come away from their midfield line to still be a goal threat because he's 6ft 7[in], he should still be a target from crosses. There were a few balls there that on another day he could've got on the end of because we want him to score goals. That's part of the reason we brought him here.
"I think there were moments for him, but I think that was the least impact he's had in that position for us."
On reaching the knockouts: "This was our target at the start of the season. We discussed various things and to get to the knockout stages was there for us and we felt we could achieve it with the players we have. It's been a really exciting phase of this competition. We've really enjoyed the different challenges.
"The knockout stage will be a different challenge for us at the sharp end against elite teams, so everything to look forward to. But at the back of my mind we have to get our Premier League form back to where we want it to be and that will give us the best chance to do well at this competition as well."
On whether he wants to face Barcelona or Chelsea: "Genuinely, I haven't given it a second thought. I know those teams have been there for us. The main thing was to get through and be really pleased with the professional job we've done.
"I think if you look at the score over the two legs, it's been fantastic from the players even though today feels like a bit of a hollow win for us. We had really enjoyed the game against Barcelona. We had a good game against Chelsea here as well. We didn't win either, so I hope that's a good omen for us."
On the fan banner dedicated to him before the game: "Amazing. Big thank you to everyone that thought of that idea. It's much appreciated the love that the supporters give me and the team. It means everything."
Newcastle are just the third English team to score 9+ goals in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage tie, after Man City against Schalke in 2018-19 (10) and Arsenal against PSV last season (9).
Newcastle's Harvey Barnes has been involved in eight goals in 10 UEFA Champions League games this season (5 goals, 3 assists), as many as he has in 33 appearances across all other competitions this term (7 goals, 1 assist).
Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier became the third English defender to provide 10 assists in the UEFA Champions League, after Ashley Cole (12) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (11).
Newcastle v Qarabag: Team newspublished at 19:03 GMT 24 February
19:03 GMT 24 February
Young defender Alex Murphy has been handed his first start for Newcastle United as the hosts make seven changes for the visit of Qarabag.
Head coach Eddie Howe has used tonight's game as a rare chance to freshen up his team after Newcastle won the first leg of their Champions League last 16 play-off tie 6-1 last week.
Aaron Ramsdale, Sven Botman, Murphy, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, William Osula and Harvey Barnes have all been recalled following the weekend defeat against Manchester City.
Qarabag have made two changes for the trip to St James' Park as Dani Bolt and Abbas Huseynov come back into the side
Manager Gurban Gurbanov has stressed the need for the visitors to be "more careful and responsible" at St James' Park tonight and it looks like they will line up with a back five.
Milner presented with three Guinness World Records titlespublished at 18:58 GMT 24 February
18:58 GMT 24 February
Image source, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
As well as a Champions League title, three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two Community Shields to James Milner's name, he now has three Guinness World Record titles.
After Milner overtook Gareth Barry's record of 653 Premier League appearances in Brighton's 2-0 victory over Brentford, Milner's overall top-flight appearances now sits at 654.
The 40-year-old has also set two other records, which now means he holds the longest gap between his first and last Premier League goals (22 years 248 days) and for the most consecutive Premier League seasons played (24).
Milner said: "When I was younger, I used to get the Guinness World Records book for Christmas every year. So this is pretty amazing."
Newcastle earn plaudits after demanding weekpublished at 14:04 GMT 24 February
14:04 GMT 24 February
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
This week I travelled 5,000 miles from Scotland to Azerbaijan via Turkey and back to see Qarabag v Newcastle, before embarking on a 600-mile round trip drive to Nottingham. I will admit to feeling a bit wearied as I got home late on Sunday night, but what about the players who did the same mileage and played two gruelling matches into the bargain.
OK, they might have been travelling first class, but even so, it must be exhausting.
That is why I was so incredibly impressed by Newcastle United. They ran Manchester City mighty close on Saturday night and every player gave every ounce of energy, just as they always do. Eddie Howe said afterwards that he was proud of his players as they gave everything. This is a stock phrase you get from every manager, but you can tell that this comment was from the heart.
Newcastle are basically through after that Anthony Gordon-inspired 6-1 Champions League rout, but you still hear the odd rumbling about the team's underachievement in the Premier League. They may be slap bang in the middle of the table, but I reckon no-one could get more out of the group than Eddie and the vast majority of the fans know this.
Five years is a long time in football management, but I think it should only be the beginning for one of the best bosses in the business.
'Howe provides answers' as Woltemade shifts position published at 08:21 GMT 24 February
08:21 GMT 24 February
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
How do you solve a problem like Woltemade? OK, I'll admit it, you really have to shoehorn the syllables in to make that work. Much like shoehorning a striker into a midfield position to make him work. See what I did there? It's so fun in my brain.
I want it on record that I love Nick Woltemade. He's an interesting player and person. Thrown in at the deep end with Newcastle at the beginning of the season and subsequently going on a little scoring spree? A quick way to get tattooed on my heart forever.
More recently, however, he has struggled to convert any chances sent his way. He has been criticised for playing a little too deep - something he was open about around the time he signed, saying he's a different kind of striker than what we're used to.
It also hasn't been clear how he would, longer term, fit into the kind of team Eddie Howe is building.
We need not wonder any more. Woltemade has, for the past week or so, been playing as part of the attacking midfield, with Anthony Gordon playing up front (to MUCH success against Qarabag).
Although Howe is saying it's a 4-3-3, I have eyes, and Howe often says things that don't match what I'm looking at.
Woltemade in this position - be it 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 - seems to be bearing fruit. It doesn't solve every problem Newcastle have right now, and it might be more of an issue from a German national team point of view, where Woltemade has been playing as a centre-forward, but it is working.
The most important things from my point of view are minutes in legs, versatility and protecting the confidence of the players.
Woltemade looked a little lost before this formation shift. I think the change can help protect him a little and still get so much out of him as a player.
'That was where Murphy 2.0 was formed'published at 19:11 GMT 23 February
19:11 GMT 23 February
Image source, Getty Images
Jacob Murphy feels a "2.0" version of himself was created when he came back from his loan spells away from Newcastle.
The 30-year-old joined his boyhood club back in 2017, but struggled to make his mark early and spent time on loan with West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday before returning to the Magpies, where he has now played 250 times.
It was during that second loan spell away that sparked his career back into life and he has since become a key figure in helping Newcastle secure silverware and play Champions League football.
"West Brom, no [I didn't envisage coming back to the club at this level]. But Sheffield Wednesday? Yes, I could try to see resurgence," said Murphy.
"Everyone has different paths, this is my path. That loan at Sheffield Wednesday is where it started to click. I came back and that was where Murphy 2.0 was formed.
"I had a good couple of seasons under Steve Bruce, the gaffer [Eddie Howe] came in, and the rest is history as they say."
During his nine years on Tyneside, Murphy has seen the club go from battling relegation to competing in the Champions League, with the opportunity to reach the last-16 for the first time if they come through unscathed from their play-off second leg with Qarabag on Tuesday.
Asked if he could have expected this back in his early Newcastle career, he responded: "Bluntly, no.
"Everyone knew it was all about survival back then. It was like that for a few years. But things change, goals change, everyone's belief changes.
"Where we are today, where getting in the last-16 is what everyone thinks is believable, it is what everyone wanted and where we want to be."
Howe on team news, rotation 'balance' and Woltemade's positionpublished at 17:53 GMT 23 February
17:53 GMT 23 February
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg against Qarabag at St James' Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe is hopeful Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa will be involved on Tuesday, but they will have to "see how they wake up tomorrow" before making a decision. He also confirmed those not out in training on Monday, including Anthony Gordon, were just working indoors.
With a 6-1 lead going into the second leg, the Newcastle boss said he will "possibly" rotate the squad but they will still "pick a strong team" to win the game, adding: "It's a really delicate balance we have got between rotating the squad and making sure everyone's fresh, to winning the game and also making sure players don't lose rhythm and we don't lose the good feeling that we've had."
On the importance of their Champions League results with the inconsistency in the Premier League: "I think we have sort of saved our best for that competition. A lot was made of the result at Qarabag, but for me, it wasn't the result, it was the performance, the manner and the hunger we showed in that game all the way through to deliver a really, really good performance. That's the the highest level I think we've played at this season."
Howe said reaching the last-16 was their "initial target" before the competition began: "When you are at that point of the competition, I think anything can happen. We back ourselves in cup ties, one-off games. That seems to have brought out the best of the squad this year."
On missing the suspended Malick Thiaw, who has started the past 38 matches: "It's going to be a blow for us. I said that when the suspension was confirmed. A big loss for us at the heart of our defence. He has been a model of consistency, and his recent games have been some of his strongest of the season. He's been superb and been an incredible signing for us."
Asked whether forward Nick Woltemade's move to a deeper role could bring a similar transformation to Joelinton's in midfield, he responded: "No, I wouldn't necessarily say so. I can understand why you would ask the question, but I'd say Nick was always in our thoughts very much as a deep-lying player. Deep-lying number nine. All his best work came from starting higher and coming lower. Now, just starting lower and staying in the middle line, I don't think is a great change."
He added: "He does have a freedom on the ball to take up central positions, he has the freedom to drift to a degree across the pitch, so it's not a stranglehold by the position in one place."
Should Villa or Newcastle replace Spurs in the 'big six'?published at 15:52 GMT 23 February
15:52 GMT 23 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on the debate around Tottenham's dwindling 'big-six' status, and whether either Aston Villa or Newcastle has a case to take their place.
Here are some of your comments:
Spurs fans
Dave: In recent years, our being viewed as one of the big six has become increasingly ridiculous. History and a nice stadium simply isn't enough. We've had some interesting managers and some good players - but despite that have remained a consistently mediocre team. If the owners don't get VERY serious about significant investment in our squad very soon, I think we're doomed. Relegation would be heartbreaking but it's where we are. I'm 72 and have been a fan since I was six. It's getting hard to remain hopeful.
Colin: Have we ever been a top-six club? Maybe we expect too much from our team - we just do not have the financial resources to get a top-six team together, let alone a top-four one. I am worried that we are battling to stay up this year - we really need to win at least four more games and the way we are playing I just cannot see that! We are a long way off top six.
Chris: Agree with Wayne Rooney's comments - this team is average at best and has a poor attitude. I don't blame Thomas Frank at all, I genuinely feel sorry for him and now we're seeing it all play out again with Igor Tudor. Are we going to blame him too? No manager is going to fix this mess until the board shows some real ambition. We need four or five proven, high-quality signings. There are also deeper, structural problems that have been there for years. Championship next season.
Brian: Yeah we are still a big-six team. Any club with as many players injured as we have would be struggling. It would be a different story with all players fit - so, yes.
Aston Villa fans
Carl: In the past three seasons, Spurs have been in the top six once, flirting with relegation last year and again this year. Meanwhile, Villa have been in the top six twice in the past three years and are firmly there again this year. Spurs shouldn't be mentioned in the 'big-six' conversation any more.
Paul: Yes of course Villa are a top-six club. Look at Unai Emery's record - a top-class European manager and sold-out games at a great stadium. Only PSR stops them being even more successful. Tottenham are nowhere near being called a top-six club.
James: Villa have always been a big-six club. Spurs' inclusion was always utterly baffling, and based purely on London bias. They have a big stadium? Wow. It's soulless, and they were being considered as part of the big six before that was even built, so that's not it. Villa are huge. Football royalty.
Daniel: All day long Villa are bigger than Spurs. They have a better stadium - that's it. Villa would be even bigger and would definitely be challenging for titles if they could spend. If Unai could buy who he wanted, Villa would have won the league this year. In reality, we've lost our midfield and are still competing better than Spurs. Anyone who think Spurs are top six are deluded or a Spurs fan.
Alan: I don't think Villa, as a club or the fans, could care less about whether they're regarded as a 'big-six' club. Let the results speak for themselves. When Villa Park is redeveloped to accommodate over 50,000, then maybe they'll be viewed differently.
Newcastle fans
Simon: Spurs still receive disproportionate media coverage and were part of the ill-fated Super League. Their on-field performances have been enough for Newcastle or Villa to replace them. The idea of the 'big six' can become the 'big five', neither of the aforementioned clubs need it.
Adam: We're realistically down to a 'big three' of regular Premier League title contenders. At this point, Newcastle don't have the financial clout to compete at that level. It's probably a discussion that is worth revisiting in a few years' time though.
Tom: Newcastle's average finishing position over the past four seasons is fifth. The 'big six' is nonsense anyway. Little Tottenham have only been placed there by the media. Newcastle should definitely replace them and Aston Villa should replace Manchester United, who were also in a relegation battle last season and aren't playing in Europe this season.
Sean: Newcastle and Aston Villa have both broken into the top six over the past few years. Spurs change their manager regularly and are nowhere near the top six any more. Newcastle should be a top-six team, just in front of Villa because of winning a cup.
Kevin: The Toon have always been a top-six club in most people's eyes. The supporters are the best in the league. Watch out for the new stadium.
But the credibility of one of those clubs has come into question over the past few seasons.
Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney said Tottenham would be "naive to think they are a top-six team" after Sunday's defeat by Arsenal and consecutive seasons battling relegation.
Former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said his time as their head coach showed him they are not a "big club".
On the other hand, Newcastle have equalled Tottenham's top-six Premier League finishes since 2020 (two) and have two more league titles than them.
So, do you think there is a case for Newcastle to displace Tottenham in the 'big six'?
Youssef: Happy we clinched a deserved and needed win against a strong Newcastle side wanting revenge after the Carabao Cup thrashing. Thought we were superb in every aspect to some extent. Once again, Gianluigi Donnarumma showed why he's the best keeper in the world. Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly were also brilliant; Haaland's defensive work was great and O'Reilly's ability to find these pockets of space to go into is fantastic.
David: Far from convincing after a very good first half. Their second-half performance, for the umpteenth time this season, was awful, allowing the opposition to pressurise and put City on the back foot, passes going astray and, yet again, no service to Haaland, who ran himself into the ground once more.
Harry: We once again dropped off dramatically in the second half. There were a couple missed passes on both sides which could have led to goals. We held on though, and I've not been this pumped in a while. The camaraderie I saw on that pitch was incredible, I have never been more proud of my team. Anyone who calls Haaland a one-trick pony needs jailing. Not a single bad player on our side, Abdukodir Khusanov had me cheering so often too. Title or not, I'm seeing my team's mentality again and I'm ecstatic. Credit to Newcastle - massive fan support just like in Baku. The reason I'm so happy is because we held off against fantastic opposition. They've improved exceptionally.
Michael: We won because pace was introduced after half-time with Khusanov replacing Ruben Dias. He was magnificent and mopped everything up at the back and even started some attacks. We have a gem on our hands.
Newcastle fans
Richard: Well, that was a lot better than previous efforts at City. More shocking officiating didn't help. City don't need the ref helping them out and they were also very motivated by the chinking of the Gunners bottles. But we gave them a game. Eddie Howe actually called it beforehand . He said you just can't make any mistakes against City as they'll punish you, and that's exactly what happened. But we made a fist of it and I can't be too down about it.
Phillip: It was a great effort by the team considering that several first teamers are missing. Jacob Ramsey is coming on in leaps and bounds. Now need Eddie to work his magic on Yoane Wissa.
Jim: Great display. Toe to toe with the best team in the league. We didn't hold back against a team when most would sit back and defend. We went at them all through the game. No problem with the result - on another day we would have won.
Leslie: Yet another poor second goal. Kieran Trippier yet again at fault - ball watching and waiting for it to come to him instead of attacking it. Not watching for the runner. Not sure how Howe felt we were in the game. The chances City had it could have been 5-1.
Man City 2-1 Newcastle: What Howe and Hall saidpublished at 22:37 GMT 21 February
22:37 GMT 21 February
Media caption,
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Considering everything we have put into the last few weeks, that was a good performance. Wasn't good enough but we went toe to toe with them. We were equals in the game, we were well in it. Didn't defend the two goals well enough, that's the disappointment really.
On the belief in his side: "Belief was there right until the end, that [Harvey] Barnes shot at the end which was a good save. You never quite know how the game will pan out but it is important that you start well and the last few times we have come here, we have conceded early."
Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall speaking to TNT Sports: "I think we can be very proud of the effort we put in, it's been a difficult week for us in terms of travelling, a long away day [midweek] and got back in the early hours. To come here against some of the best players in the world an go toe to toe with them, unfortunately we weren't table to get a result, but we can be proud of the performance.
"We knew the game would be high intensity so we had to be on our game. I thought we were good in a lot of aspects and we can be proud of that moving forward. I feel as a team the last few games we have played really well.
"I'm a defender, that's my first job but I'm proud of myself of starting attacks, I want to get more goals and assists."
Did you know?
Newcastle United lost their seventh Premier League away game of the season which is already as many defeats as they had on the road as in the whole of 2024-25.
Analysis: Howe can be satisfied despite defeatpublished at 22:29 GMT 21 February
22:29 GMT 21 February
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle demonstrated outstanding powers of recovery to show such energy and work-rate after the lengthy Champions League journey to Azerbaijan - and left Manchester nursing a sense of injustice that they did not earn at least a point.
It took that magnificent save from Gianluigi Donnarumma to stop Harvey Barnes in that dramatic finale, while Newcastle were also frustrated after they felt Dan Burn had been pushed into an offside position by Ruben Dias when his first-half header was ruled out.
Newcastle's display will have left manager Eddie Howe satisfied despite what is now a traditional loss against City, who are unbeaten in 21 Premier League home games against the Magpies, winning the past 17.
Anthony Gordon's pace troubled City throughout, and Newcastle will feel they might have secured a point for their efforts.
Man City v Newcastle: Team newspublished at 19:10 GMT 21 February
19:10 GMT 21 February
Image source, BBC Sport
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola makes nine changes from the team that beat Salford City 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, with his rested stars restored.
Only Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush remain from that side, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Antoine Semenyo among those back in the starting line-up.
Arsenal's slip at Wolves in midweek has opened the door for Manchester City in the Premier League and that line-up reflects it.
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Dias, Haaland, Guehi, Rodri, Silva, Ait-Nouri, Nunes, O'Reilly, Semenyo, Marmoush
Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Cherki, Gonzalez, Savinho, Khusanov, Foden, Lewis
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe makes just one change from the team that effective assured qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with a comprehensive 6-1 win away to Qarabag in the play-off first leg.
Jacob Ramsey, a second half substitute in Azerbaijan, comes in for Harvey Barnes.
Image source, Getty Images
