Schär and Woltemade rise to sink Spurs as cup defence stays on target

The Carabao Cup was on display in the main reception, dictating that Tottenham's players trooped past en route from their team bus to the away dressing room.

- Louise Taylor

Fabian Sch char keeps it quiet after putting Newcastle into an early lead

If the sight of that trophy inspired Thomas Frank's players, Newcastle's desire to retain it was infinitely stronger.

Eddie Howe's team could have been forgiven for prioritising the Champions League and the Premier League but, instead, they played with the zeal of a side still buoyed by last March's Wembley triumph.

Their passage to this season's quarterfinals was secured thanks to goals from the impressive Fabian Schär and Nick Woltemade - and another stunning midfield performance on Sandro Tonali's part.

Before kickoff Howe had enthused about the variety and versatility of Tottenham's buildups but, Newcastle's manager tweaked his 4-3-3 system to create extra overloads down the flanks. It meant that one full back - Emil Krafth or Dan Burn - joined almost every attack as the home side made repeated, if temporary, shape shifts into a back three.