Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes that their 1-0 win over Manchester City in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday night can "elevate" the club, and he has encouraged the Magpies to progress further in the competition.
In a contest between two teams who fielded much-changed lineups, Newcastle were passive in the first 45 minutes but defended with discipline against a dominant Man City side, who came close with two decent chances from Julian Alvarez shortly before the interval.
However, the Magpies came to life in the second half and they broke the deadlock just seven minutes after the break when Joelinton burst into the box and fizzed a low delivery towards Alexander Isak at the back post to smash the ball home.
Howe witnessed a greater level of aggression and intensity from his side that lifted the St James' Park faithful, and they roared Newcastle to victory against a City team who failed to react.
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Newcastle's reward for beating the treble winners is a trip to Old Trafford to face holders Manchester United in the fourth round at the end of October – a repeat of last season's final.
"It was a game of two halves. First was tough and City played well," Howe told Sky Sports after the match. "We didn't but defended well as we didn't have the ball. We probably had the one chance with Jacob Murphy.
"Second half we were excellent in most aspects, defensively and offensively. We attacked well and probably deserved to win in the end.
"There were tactical changes but the biggest thing was in belief. That is not a reflection on the lads we took off but the lads we brought on made a big difference. With the ball we were a better team completely."
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Howe added: "Second half we were better for sure, but when you bring on players like Anthony Gordon and Bruno [Guimaraes], they're high level players.
"We needed to be better (in the second half), we were a little bit stuck in possession. They pressed us really well. The reason we won the game was because we didn't concede in that first period.
"When the draw came out, it wasn't a great feeling for anyone (to draw Man City). A win like this can elevate us."
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Summer signing Valentino Livramento was named Man of the Match on his full debut for Newcastle, and Howe was full of praise for the young right-back, adding: "Defensively he was really good and played with maturity in his game. [Facing] a difficult opponent in Jack Grealish.
"He looked composed. Good signs for him. He attacked well as we improved as a team."
Although Newcastle are having to juggle duties in the Premier League and Champions League, Howe is eager to progress further in the EFL Cup and go one better this season after narrowly missing out in the final last year.
"Pre-game, [last season's EFL Cup journey] was in our thoughts, the run last year," said Howe. "It was an inspiration to us and helped our season, albeit the final maybe affected our league results.
"We look back on it with real pride. We want to try and go one further if we can but there is a long way to go at this stage. We are still there fighting."
Newcastle, who beat Sheffield United 8-0 in their previous match last Sunday, will look to end the week on a high with another positive result when they welcome Burnley to St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
