Newcastle United secured their place in the Carabao Cup last 16 after a closely fought 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon. The third-round match was decided by a controversial penalty, which Fabian Schar converted after Miguel Almiron was fouled. Despite being heavy favorites, Eddie Howe’s side struggled to break down a resilient Wimbledon defense. In this article, we’ll break down the key moments, managerial reactions, and the implications for both teams moving forward.
A Controversial Penalty Decides the Game
The match’s only goal came in the 68th minute when Newcastle was awarded a penalty after Wimbledon’s Joe Piggott was judged to have tripped Miguel Almiron in the box. The referee initially didn’t call the foul, but after consulting with his linesman, the decision was made to award a spot-kick to Newcastle.
Fabian Schar stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Newcastle the lead. Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson was visibly frustrated with the decision, calling it “dodgy” in his post-match interview. “We have lost by a dodgy penalty. I am fuming with it. First, there was a dive when Schar went down, then the linesman got involved and gave a penalty. I am angry about that one,” Jackson said.
While the decision was controversial, it was enough to see Newcastle through to the next round of the competition.
Newcastle’s Struggles Against Lower-League Opposition
Newcastle entered the match as clear favorites, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances against an organized and determined AFC Wimbledon, who currently sit 11th in League Two. Despite dominating possession throughout the match, Eddie Howe’s men found it difficult to break down Wimbledon’s deep defensive line.
The Dons employed a compact shape with men behind the ball, limiting space for Newcastle’s attackers. For long periods, the Magpies failed to convert possession into meaningful chances, with many of their attacks fizzling out before reaching the danger zones.
Even when Eddie Howe brought on second-half substitutes Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle’s attack lacked the fluidity and sharpness that has characterized their recent Premier League performances. Howe admitted after the game that he was frustrated with his team’s lack of attacking dynamism.
“We were not dynamic enough in the final third, and that was frustrating. We controlled possession, but the lack of cutting edge made things difficult for us,” Howe said.
This performance was in stark contrast to Newcastle’s famous 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain almost exactly a year ago in the Champions League. While that victory was marked by free-flowing football and attacking brilliance, this game was more of a grind, with Newcastle ultimately doing just enough to secure the win.
Wimbledon’s Impressive Defensive Display
Despite the loss, AFC Wimbledon can take great pride in their performance. The League Two side executed their game plan effectively, frustrating Newcastle for much of the game. Wimbledon’s defense, marshaled by captain Will Nightingale, stayed compact and limited Newcastle to very few clear-cut chances.
Johnnie Jackson, the Dons’ manager, was proud of his team’s effort, saying, “It was a brilliant effort from our players. We had a game plan, and we executed it well. Newcastle know they’ve been in a game tonight. I’m gutted we didn’t take it to penalties, but we gave them a real challenge.”
Jackson added that the difference in quality between the two teams was evident, but his players showed they could bridge the gap through hard work and organization. “The gulf in divisions and individual quality was clear, but we frustrated them and made it a tough game. I think we deserved more from the match,” he said.
The match was played at St. James’ Park after the original fixture was postponed due to flooding at AFC Wimbledon’s home ground. The atmosphere at St. James’ was relatively subdued compared to the raucous Champions League nights, but Wimbledon’s traveling support made their presence felt.
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Newcastle’s Carabao Cup Campaign Continues
Newcastle’s 1-0 win means they advance to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, where they will face stiffer competition. Chelsea is up next for the Magpies, and Eddie Howe knows his side will need to significantly improve if they are to make a serious run in the tournament.
“These are the kinds of wins that you need in cup competitions,” Howe said. “It wasn’t pretty, but it’s these tough, grinding games that can help build momentum. We’ll need to be better in the next round against Chelsea, but the important thing is that we’re through.”
Newcastle fans will be hoping that the team can replicate last season’s Carabao Cup run, where they reached the final before falling to Manchester United. With key players like Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes in good form, there is optimism that Newcastle can go one step further this season.
The Fourth Round draw!#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/oGPVzdymWt
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) September 25, 2024
However, with the added fixture congestion from Champions League football, managing squad rotation will be crucial for Eddie Howe. The Magpies have been dealing with several injuries to key players, including striker Alexander Isak, who is recovering from a toe injury. Howe will need to carefully balance his squad to ensure that they remain competitive on all fronts.
Wimbledon’s Encouraging Cup Run Ends
While AFC Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup journey has come to an end, their performance against Newcastle will give them confidence for the rest of the season. The Dons have shown that they can compete with teams from higher divisions, and their defensive resilience will be crucial as they push for promotion in League Two.
Johnnie Jackson praised his players’ attitude and work ethic, saying, “We’ve shown we can go toe-to-toe with a Premier League side. We’ll take the positives from this performance and use it to fuel our League Two campaign.”
Wimbledon’s fans will be proud of their team’s performance, and with this level of commitment, they could be poised for a strong finish to their season.
A Narrow but Vital Win for Newcastle
Newcastle United’s 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon may not have been a thrilling spectacle, but it was enough to see them through to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. Fabian Schar’s penalty proved decisive in a game where Eddie Howe’s side struggled to break down a resolute League Two outfit.
With tougher challenges ahead, including a clash with Chelsea, Newcastle will need to improve their attacking play if they are to continue their cup run. Meanwhile, Wimbledon can hold their heads high after an impressive defensive display that nearly forced the game to penalties.
As the Carabao Cup heats up, Newcastle fans will be hoping for a deeper run, while Wimbledon can shift their focus to their League Two campaign, confident in their ability to challenge higher-tier teams.
