Newcastle United began their Carabao Cup defence with a 4–1 victory over Bradford City at St James’ Park, with Joelinton and Will Osula each scoring twice to send the holders into a fourth-round matchup against Tottenham.
Eddie Howe made seven changes once again, switching most of the XI from the weekend draw at Bournemouth but still fielding a strong side, with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, and Anthony Elanga all starting.
League One leaders Bradford started confidently, and Aaron Ramsdale, making his Newcastle debut over Howe-loved Nick Pope, was called into action early to deny Brad Halliday and then Bobby Pointon.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Gordon’s shot was blocked and fell to Joelinton, who calmly finished into the bottom corner. Two minutes later, Guimaraes split the defence with a pass that released Osula, and the young forward finished with composure to double the lead.
Newcastle continued to dominate before half-time, but Sam Walker in Bradford’s goal denied Gordon and Osula to keep the scoreline respectable.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Guimaraes, perhaps the best non-goal scorer of the game, nearly scored himself with a flick that struck the bar.
Joelinton was the one to find paydirt and added his second of the night in the 75th minute, latching onto another Guimaraes pass to make it 3–0.
At the end of the day, and for everybody’s pleasure and cheers, Bradford were rewarded for their persistence as substitute Andy Cook, a lifelong Newcastle supporter, struck a memorable and historic half-volley in the 79th minute that crashed in off the bar to give the visitors their desired goal against a Premier League club while denying Ramsdale a clean sheet on his first game as a Magpie.
Newcastle responded quickly, however, as substitute Harvey Barnes provided the cross for Osula to score his second in the 87th minute and restore the three-goal cushion.
Howe praised Osula’s display, saying the forward “did himself no harm” in pushing for more playing time, while also highlighting Joelinton’s finishing and Guimaraes’ influence in midfield.
Bradford boss Graham Alexander noted the pride in Cook’s goal, calling it one the striker will “talk about for the next 50 years.”
The win came as a relief for Newcastle, who have struggled for goals in the league and finally bagged a bunch on Wednesday—albeit hella subpar competition.
Newcastle will now host Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in the week commencing October 27.
