By Victor Kanayo
Despite low performance records in recent times, Chelsea broke down a seeming better side Newcastle to secure a semi-final place in this season’s Carabao Cup.
Their passage followed a 4-2 penalty triumph after regular play ended 1-1 on Tuesday night.
Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku and Mudryk were all on target for Chelsea but only Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes scored penalties for Newcastle, who suffered fresh disappointment after their Champions League exit.
It has been a chastening week for Newcastle and Howe, with their challenges ended in both the Champions League and the EFL Cup.
Howe must now pick up his shattered players for the festive period and focus his side on making another bid to reach the Premier League’s top four.
With the outcome of the quarter-final stage, Newcastle, last season’s beaten finalists, will have to continue their wait for a first trophy since 1969 for a bit longer.
…Fulham Edge Everton
Fulham have strolled into the last four of the Carabao Cup after beating Everton via penalties.
Fulham have never won a major trophy, but perhaps this could be their time.
They reached the FA Cup semi-final in 2002 when they were knocked out by Chelsea, who are among the teams still left in this competition.
On the other hand, Everton have been pushing up in performance recently on the Premier League after they suffered 10 points deduction.
Before going down to Fulham, Everton have gone four games unbeaten with victories.
The draw for the semi-final takes place after Liverpool v West Ham on Wednesday, with the first leg of those ties being played in the week commencing 8 January.
