Cup defence off to a flyer - but concerns still there for Howe

NEWCASTLE United's Carabao Cup defence couldn't have got off to a better start.

- By ROSS GREGORY

In front of a packed St James' Park, the holders - doesn't it feel nice to read those words? - eased into the fourth round with a 4-1 win over Bradford City.

The League One leaders put up a fight against the Magpies, but succumbed to braces from Joelinton and Will Osula on a comfortable evening for the home side, despite Andy Cook's late goal for the visitors.

It set up a fourth-round meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, and just as pleasing for Eddie Howe was his ability to rest and rotate his squad.

Here's what we learned from the game.

Eddie Howe has long wanted strength in depth. Wednesday night showed he has finally achieved that at Newcastle United.