Man City oust Newcastle as Howe laments ‘tough lesson’
Eddie Howe calls the Barcelona last-16 first leg at St James’ Park the club’s ‘biggest’ game, urges fans’ energy. Newcastle arrive after a 12th-place league phase finish and a 9-3 Qarabag playoff win, and must raise their level to progress.
Newcastle’s 3-1 FA Cup exit saw Aaron Ramsdale rated 5/10 after errors and poor distribution, prompting scrutiny of his England chances, with Nick Pope and James Trafford mentioned as rivals.
Eddie Howe calls Man City loss a ‘tough learning lesson’ as Newcastle led then fell 3-1, with Omar Marmoush the chief tormentor. Kieran Trippier admitted: ‘We got beat by the better team.’
Erling Haaland missed out as City made 10 changes. Eddie Howe brought in Ramsdale, Osula, Willock, Woltemade and recalled Botman. Barnes and Elanga flanked Osula for the FA Cup tie.
William Osula insists his focus is on Newcastle after a late winner vs Man United, amid interest from Aston Villa and Stuttgart. He aims for more minutes and to push for starts under Eddie Howe.
Peter Crouch calls Newcastle’s season ‘strange’, backs Man City to edge the FA Cup tie, but notes United’s late win over Man United lifted belief ahead of St James’ Park under lights.
Christian Falk says Newcastle will not sell Nick Woltemade cheaply and the striker wants to establish himself. Talk of a cut‑price Bayern move is downplayed despite previous interest.
Barcelona name their squad for Newcastle, with Gavi travelling pending medical clearance. Frenkie de Jong is out, Marc Bernal is fit after a precaution. Hansi Flick weighs options in attack with Robert Lewandowski available.
Newcastle weigh Gregor Kobel as a cheaper, ‘low-risk’ alternative to Bart Verbruggen, with doubts over Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale. Interest also remains in Man City’s James Trafford.
Harvey Barnes put Newcastle ahead but Savinho levelled before Omar Marmoush struck twice to dump Eddie Howe’s side out of the FA Cup, with Manchester City advancing after a 3-1 win at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are linked with Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke, who worked with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth. Any move may hinge on outgoings and Spurs’ survival, with Will Osula attracting interest.
Newcastle reportedly value Sandro Tonali at £87m amid interest from Man United, Arsenal and Real Madrid, though he remains key under contract to 2028 after 44 appearances this season.
