SHOCKING RANT ALERT Eddie Howe absolutely LOSES IT and turns the air BLUE in furious X-rated outburst… He’s SLAMMING his own Newcastle summer signings and can’t hide the rage anymore! “You won’t BELIEVE what he just said about the players HE picked himself!” Newcastle fans are in MELTDOWN… is this the beginning of the END for Howe at St James’ Park?!

Newcastle United went into the Carabao Cup semi-final knowing perfection would be required to overcome Manchester City, and Eddie Howe made that clear long before kick-off.

The Magpies boss described Pep Guardiola’s side as the toughest opponent to face over two legs, especially with the return fixture looming at the Etihad Stadium, where Newcastle have not won since 2014.

That reality meant the first leg at St James’ Park left no room for error.

Howe accepted City would dominate possession, but trusted his team to exploit moments of transition, force mistakes and attack at speed when the opportunity arose. That approach was evident almost immediately.

Inside four minutes, Newcastle won the ball and broke quickly, with Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon combining to release Jacob Murphy on the right.

His first-time cross found Yoane Wissa in front of goal, but the forward blazed his effort over the bar from close range.

It was a costly miss in a contest decided by fine margins, yet Howe visibly applauded the intent, recognising his side had exposed City’s defensive vulnerability if they moved the ball sharply enough.

What followed was a compelling tactical duel between two elite coaches. Newcastle’s strategy demanded relentless pressing and absolute concentration, particularly when City built from the back.

Any lapse risked disaster. That was underlined when Bernardo Silva was allowed to carry the ball across his own box unchallenged, provoking fury from Howe on the touchline.

Wissa and Jacob Ramsey, both nearby, failed to close down the City captain, ignoring clear instructions.

Howe’s anger was unmistakable as he berated both players, briefly exchanging words with Ramsey before venting his frustration towards the bench.

Newcastle escaped punishment on that occasion, but the incident highlighted the standards required to compete with one of the world’s best teams.

It also raised questions about whether some of the club’s summer signings have fully adapted to Howe’s demands.

With financial constraints and an injury-hit defence influencing January plans, supporters expect immediate impact from heavily invested players.

Ramsey, to his credit, produced one of his stronger displays since his £40m move from Aston Villa.

He looked comfortable under pressure, protected the ball well and helped Newcastle maintain control during difficult spells.

That composure has been welcome in recent weeks. However, fans are still waiting to see more from him in the final third.

The midfielder appears hesitant around the penalty area, reluctant to shoot, cross or play a decisive pass.

Given his five goals and seven assists last season at Villa, Newcastle will hope that attacking output soon follows.

Wissa, meanwhile, endured a frustrating evening in his first-ever club semi-final, but his movement and previous goals suggest there is more to come once fully fit.

Greater concern surrounded Anthony Elanga’s brief cameo.

Returning from injury, the £55m winger looked short of confidence, far removed from the energetic, creative threat Newcastle believed they were signing.

The crowd’s frustration is growing as turnovers mount.

Despite the 2-0 defeat, Newcastle created four clear chances that could have altered the tie. Ultimately, those missed opportunities proved decisive.

Now, with a daunting second leg at the Etihad ahead, the Magpies face a steep challenge, while scrutiny over last summer’s transfer spending continues to intensify.