Eddie Howe has outlined his approach at the Etihad Stadium after deploying a five-man defensive line, even with Newcastle United already 2-0 down before kickoff in the North West.
It was a costly evening for the Magpies, who saw Anthony Gordon leave the field with a first-half injury.
Gordon joins a growing list of absentees, including Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, and Emil Krafth, and is now a doubt for Saturday’s crucial clash against Brentford.
Speaking after the semi-final defeat, Howe said, “It looks like a hamstring injury; it was enough for him to come off, so that is a big worry.”
Newcastle fell 3-1 at the Etihad, following on from a first-leg defeat at St James’ Park. Howe needed a tactical plan to keep his side competitive and limit the deficit.
He chose a system reminiscent of the setup that had served them well at Parc des Princes.
Despite this, City raced into a 3-0 lead within 30 minutes, effectively ending Newcastle’s cup hopes.
On the reasoning behind the five-man defence, Howe explained: “The aim of playing five at the back? It is irrelevant the number you have at the back; it is how you adapt that to the game.
We were trying to attack tonight, I think that was quite clear. But we also need to defend well. Part of playing five was to help us do that.”
He added that the goals conceded were frustrating: “The goals were strange; they were not necessarily coming from pressure.
I didn’t feel a goal was coming. But it came from individual mistakes and errors.
I didn’t like the way the goals happened or the final actions. It’s a worrying trend, following on from Liverpool, in the last two games.”
Howe’s comments underline his concern over defensive lapses and his intent to adapt tactically, even in challenging circumstances.
While Newcastle’s cup run ended in disappointment, the manager’s focus now shifts to addressing errors and preparing for the vital league match against Brentford.
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