Newcastle United seems to thrive on the energy the Carabao Cup injects into their seasons, but what they truly crave now is the exhilaration of victory.

Their recent triumph resonated more powerfully than their victories over Benfica and Fulham, marking a trifecta of successes at home across the Champions League, Premier League, and the competition they currently hold the title for.

Over the past four seasons, Newcastle has faced defeat only once in 19 Carabao Cup fixtures, which happened during the 2023 final. They righted that wrong this past February with a decisive win against Liverpool at Wembley.

But it’s not just the path to Wembley that fuels their drive; it’s the fact that their Champions League qualifications have coincided with both of their final appearances. A cup run here sparks the imagination, acting like a gripping novel that keeps fans intrigued and hopeful.

Given the close scheduling of their recent home matches, there was much debate about priorities. However, the past week’s performances by Howe and his team have delivered a clear message: they’re aiming to win it all.

With players like the stylish and substantial Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, and striker Nick Woltemade, who boasts an impressive six goals from six shots on target, winning becomes significantly more attainable. Howe will surely hope that these three victories in eight days become a winning trend.

Nick Woltemade beats Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to head home for 2-0

Woltemade has made a superb start in black and white – and now has six goals in 11 games

For Spurs, meanwhile, the colour of their shirt was reflective of their application. They wore yellow and went down like a submarine. And playing away was supposed to be the strength of Thomas Frank’s new-look side.

It had felt like 1-0 to the visitors in the battle of the team-sheets, an arbitrary contest that only really matters on domestic cup nights. But Newcastle, with eight changes, would not have named this XI for a Premier League match. Spurs, with four, looked stronger and more recognisable.

And yet, when said battle switched from paper to grass, it was they who looked nothing like the team who have the top-flight’s best away record this season.

There’s an old adage about sides not putting their boots on. Well, Djed Spence wore his, he just hadn’t tied the laces properly. So when he asked for time to tighten his boot as Newcastle prepared to take a corner on 24 minutes, the hosts weren’t best pleased about waiting. 

They gave him a few seconds to form the bow, but his absence from the goalmouth when Tonali swiftly delivered left Spurs in knots. Fabian Schar took advantage of his match-up against Richarlison to climb and head in.

They did improve slightly, but the man their supporters had booed before kick-off – former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale – had the last laugh. He made a string of saves during a period when Frank’s men belatedly threatened parity. That rally expired when Woltemade headed Newcastle’s second in the 50th minute.

Fabian Schar rises high to head home the opening goal at St James’s Park

One observation of the £69million German – let’s not call it a criticism just yet – is that he does not touch the ball enough in the penalty area. It is hard to tell if that is his doing or a fault of the team around him. Either way, Woltemade’s response would surely be that every time he does, it ends up in the net.

And so, with his first effort of the evening, he steered a close-range nod from Joe Willock’s cross into an empty goal. He didn’t even have to jump, given his 6ft 6ins frame was too much for the fist of Antonin Kinsky to overcome. 

It was a lame effort by the Spurs goalkeeper, and the defending of Kevin Danso – pinned beneath the scorer – was not much better.

The result was never in doubt thereafter. It seldom is when Newcastle play in this competition. They are now two ties from a third Wembley outing in four years and, with a taste for what awaits in the capital, you would not back against them making it there.

The home fans sang about their team ‘never being defeated’ on full-time. In the Carabao Cup, that has become as good as factually correct.