Ketsbaia’s Kick-Off Klub
When Newcastle United paid £55 million to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2025, the logic was straightforward. Eddie Howe needed a top quality right‑wing option, someone who could both stretch teams and add end product, an upgrade on the diligent and much‑improved Jacob Murphy. The expectation was an instant impact, or a near instant impact.
Newcastle are built for this competition. They’ve not trailed in a single Carabao Cup game since the 2023 final defeat to Manchester United and now advance to the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive season.
The Carabao Cup returns to St James’ Park under the lights on Wednesday night, and for Newcastle United it’s an early test of character.
Three points, yes. Satisfaction, no.
Newcastle United’s 2–1 win over Fulham was a reminder that results can deceive. Fulham were dreadful, offering next to nothing, yet Newcastle somehow contrived to make this a contest. Bruno Guimarães’ 90th-minute winner spared blushes, but for large spells this was a performance defined by sloppiness, poor decisions, and wasteful finishing.
Tuesday’s performance had everything that had been missing at Brighton, energy, control, belief and composure. Two words summed it up: maturity and intensity. Now comes the test of consistency. Fulham’s visit offers the chance to consolidate form and start climbing the league table before a tough November schedule.
After a midweek European high, Newcastle United return to Premier League action with a home fixture against Fulham, a side that’s tactically sound, injury-hit, and unpredictable away from Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s men arrive on Tyneside with a clear identity but a muddled run of form, and Saturday’s match offers a fascinating contrast in styles and squad depth. Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off
This was Newcastle United at their most complete this season, mature in possession, intense in the press, and clinical when it mattered. A night that might just mark the moment the campaign turns.
The mood around St James’ Park has dipped after the Brighton mess, but European nights give this team a chance to put things right. Howe’s men return home needing a performance as much as a result, and after that shambles on the south coast, nothing less than three points will do.
Welcome to the first edition of Play By Numbers — our regular deep dive into the stats behind Newcastle United’s recent performances. The aim is simple: use data to confirm what you’ve been watching with your own eyes, and sometimes to uncover a hidden detail or two.
On paper this one looked like a narrow defeat, but in reality we were never in it. Save for short spells in either half, Brighton were the dominant side and deserved the win. For Newcastle United, the lads need to quickly dust themselves down for a Champions League night under the lights against Jose Mourinho's Benfica as they travel to St James' Park on Tuesday.