24 mins Anthony Elanga's cross from the United right was knocked out of play by Kevin Danso, although goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky had looked set to collect it. That gave United a corner that Sandro Tonali belatedly sent over after Djed Spence finished fiddling with his footwear.

That flag kick fell nicely for Fabian Schar to head home from a central position on the six yard line, Danso failing to prevent that and immediately claiming to the referee that he'd been fouled. TV replays confirmed that he was quite correct - and he was the victim of a two-handed shove in the back by his Spurs colleague Lucas Bergvall. 1-0

Half time: Newcastle 1 Spurs 0

50 mins A superb interception from Malick Thiaw in the Spurs half saw his side regain possession and allowed Harvey Barnes to go on the attack down the left channel. Brennan Johnson nicked the ball off him as he neared the edge of the box, but it fell into the path of Thiaw, who laid it off to Willock.

Finding a pocket of space as opponents held off, Willock picked out Nick Woltemade with a precise right-footed cross that he beat Kinsky to and looped a header into the unguarded net. 2-0

Full time: Newcastle 2 Spurs 0

Eddie Howe said:

"Really pleased because I think when you make the changes we did you hope to see a performance that's in line with our identity and our expectations.

"I thought the pressing early on in the game and general attitude of the players was very good.

"I think with the way we work we like to think regardless of the changes we make they deliver a Newcastle performance in line with our expectations.

"It's most important that our attitude is right from minute one and the will to win that you need and we had. Individually I thought there were some really good performances, collectively we were strong."

On which competitions he is targeting:

"There is no priority. We just want to win and win consistently. That's such a healthy thing for the group to feel.

"The acid test was this game for that because of the changes we made. Was our mentality and mindset going to waver? The most pleasing thing for me was that it didn't.

"We enjoy the competition. We take it seriously. We want to do well. It's up to the players and how they take to the pitch.

"We made a number of changes. There is always a slight doubt about how that team will knit together, but, from minute one, we looked in a really good place. Athletically we were excellent.

"A lot of those players haven't played regularly so that's testament to their professionalism and how they have looked after themselves between games and they got their rewards."

On scoring from a corner:

"Something we've worked really hard on lately in our game and I think we have the height and power to cause teams problems.

"It's great to see a great delivery from Sandro (Tonali) and Fabian's (Schar) header was top class.

"He's always had a goal in him, he's always had that creative side of him game and it was a great moment for him."

Thomas Frank said: 

"I think it was a very even game. I think it was small margins that decided it.

"I think our performance was good. I think the way we played the game, especially how we built it from behind, phase one, especially phase two, I think we controlled the game much more. I think we had some short connections in the middle of the pitch. I think we found Lucas and Xavi in good positions. So, I think that was one of our better offensive performances for the season.

"You could say it was not like we created five 100% chances, but we created some really big chances. I think (Aaron) Ramsdale had some really good saves and we had six or seven very good moments where Richarlison arrived a second too late, or the final pass could have had even more cuttingedge quality to have created even more.

"So, overall, I'm happy with the performance. Of course, I'm super disappointed that we lost. I’m also super disappointed that we're out. We would love to progress and be in the draw tonight.

"I think both games, Everton and Newcastle, both games looked much better in the structure we tried to build, to hit players in the space between lines, if that opened up, or course around if it's too close. I think first half against Everton had it and throughout this game, I think we found good positions.

"I would like to have everyone fit and available, but we know injury is part of it. It's up to me to find solutions. I think some of the ones we had is relatively, how can I say, unlucky. It's how quick we get them back, but contact injuries to (James) Maddison, (Yves) Bissouma, the knee with Destiny (Udogie), can’t do too much about that.

"Newcastle made eight (changes), we made four, but we made four because we wanted to compete. I think we competed. Unfortunately, we just dropped out on the wrong end of it.

"It's a busy schedule. It's a balance to make a very competitive team that can perform, tactically can still hit the criteria we want it to hit. Everton, it was four changes. Newcastle, four changes. Now Chelsea on Saturday. So, some you need to rest, others you need to be at it too.

"I'm very disappointed we couldn't continue (in the competition). We have 5,000 fans travelling. So, we're more than pleased, happy that they're travelling this long way on a late night and give us all the backing. It’s unfortunate we couldn't give them back with a win.”