Ian Wright expects Newcastle United’s form to improve once their Carabao Cup fate has been decided. A notable drop-off has taken place on Tyneside, with the Magpies winning just one league game in 2023.
On the other hand, Newcastle dismantled Leicester City and Southampton in the cup to book their place at Wembley this weekend. Supporters and pundits have put two and two together, citing the magnitude - and rarity - of a final has caused a distraction on the league front.
Social media focus centred around tickets, hotels and accommodation while Eddie Howe prepared for three Premier League clashes. In truth, talk has stretched beyond that as some optimistic fans made arrangements after the quarter-final stage.
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Arsenal legend Wright shares the view that Newcastle’s attention has been diverted in recent weeks. Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty show, the former striker backed the magpies to rekindle their Premier League form once the cup final has taken place.
“I think Newcastle should be happy with what’s going on at the moment,” Wright said. “Of course, they have a goalkeeper who is going to miss the final but, the way it’s gone for Newcastle and the way they have been playing, I think they shouldn’t get too worried about the way they are dropping off (in the Premier League).
“They have players in the Newcastle side who have not been in a final. The final must be playing on their minds now, I think. What is it, 1999 the last time they were in a final? The 1950s when they won one.
“This is massive for the whole of Newcastle, so that’s why you can feel the nerves are kicking in. Once this game is out of the way, the final, I think we might see Newcastle relax and come again.”
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