Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes admitted that it is his “dream” to raise Newcastle’s first big trophy in 75 years after helping them reach the Carabao Cup final.
The Magpies defeated Arsenal on Wednesday evening in St. James’ Park with 2-0 to score a 4-0 overall victory in the semifinals and book their place in Wembley.
It will be Newcasters second finale in three years in three years, and after Guimaraes fell back against Manchester United in 2023, this time is definitely further.
The Brazilian, who was appointed skipper at the beginning of the season, said to Sky Sports: “Incredible performance of everyone and we also have to thank the fans. Here we go, another final for the club and hopefully that we can win it.
“Before the game, Big Game, Arsenal was a top top team, but when we play like this, we become an amazing team.
“Play like that and we can dream big. It would be astonishing to get a trophy, it is my dream to do this.
“Isak is the best striker for me these days. For me, the manager is incredible. He deserves the loan. “
“Since I got into the club, my goal was to bring my name to the history of the club” ✨ ✨
Bruno Guimarães says it is a dream to raise a trophy with Newcastle 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vxbwpc9HXQ
– Sky Sport Football (@Skyfootball) February 5, 2025
Howe: We are smarter than two years ago
Manager Eddie Howe says that Newcastle earns her last place more than two years ago and the feeling that you are in a stronger position as a club to make you better.
The Toon boss said: “It is huge (back to Wembley). The first appearance there was a bit unexpected, but the club we want to be, we have to be there regularly, so it’s no surprise.
“We are in merit, our run was not easy this year, we exposed four teams from the Premier League, so we did the hard shipyard.
“Hopefully we can learn from the last experience and improve our performance.”
Your Carabao Cup finalists 😍 pic.twitter.com/rcach4wtxh
– Newcastle United (@Nufc) February 5, 2025
Howe’s tactic Outsmart Gunners Outsmart Gunners
While he enjoyed less ball, Newcastle had checked to switch to five backs in St. James ‘Park throughout the game in St. James’ Park instead of back to his usual four.
It was a pleasure with Newcasters second goal by defender Fabian Schar’s intensive pressing on the edge of Arsenal’s Box, so that Anthony Gordon set home.
Howe added: “It was a great night for us. It was a hard game, but we were tactical. The intention was to be aggressive and sometimes it doesn’t always work.
“It did it today. I thought it helped consolidate our plan. We sometimes had to withdraw, but we were always in the game.
“Work (on the game plan) started on Monday, which is fast. The Champions League helped us work on these two -day turnarounds last year.
“The players followed the instructions for the letter, they deserve the loan. Fabian (crowd) had to cover large distances in his job and followed Declan Rice whether he fell low or went far or went centrally.
“Sometimes he went straight over the field. He is a good athlete and very capable of doing. “
