In a night filled with frustration, controversy, and missed chances, Tottenham Hotspur’s EFL Cup journey came to a sudden halt after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Spurs boss Thomas Frank didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, branding the referee’s handling of a crucial first-half incident as a “mistake” that changed the course of the game.
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Newcastle, the defending champions, booked their place in the last eight thanks to goals from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade, but it was the first goal — and the way it came about — that dominated the post-match discussion.
A Controversial Opening Goal
Spurs had started the game with confidence, controlling possession and creating half-chances through James Maddison and Son Heung-min. Yet, it was Newcastle who broke the deadlock, and the controversy surrounding it left Tottenham livid.
Sandro Tonali whipped in a dangerous corner that found Fabian Schar, who rose highest to nod home. However, just moments before the set-piece was taken, Tottenham full-back Djed Spence was down on the turf trying to put his boot back on after losing it in a previous duel. Spurs protested immediately, arguing that the play should have been delayed since one of their defenders was effectively out of action.
Referee Chris Kavanagh, however, waved play on — and within seconds, Newcastle had taken the lead.
Frank, visibly frustrated after the game, made his thoughts clear.
“One mistake from Chris Kavanagh, in terms of things you need to give. Djed Spence had his boot off – he needs time to tie his boot, and he didn’t. His marker, Schar, scored,” the Spurs boss told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’ve spoken to Chris about it, and we’ll keep that between us. But yes, that decision changed the rhythm of the match.”
Spurs Struggle to Recover
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The goal clearly rattled Tottenham, and despite enjoying more of the ball and registering 11 shots to Newcastle’s seven, they couldn’t find the breakthrough. Spurs had double the shots on target (six) but failed to convert, posting just 0.7 expected goals (xG) across the 90 minutes — a reflection of their inefficiency in front of goal.
Frank’s men pushed forward after the break, but it was Newcastle who looked sharper and more clinical. In the 67th minute, Nick Woltemade added a second, finishing off a swift counter-attack that started with Tonali once again pulling the strings in midfield.
The goal sealed Tottenham’s fate and highlighted the small but decisive differences between the two sides — Newcastle’s ruthlessness and Spurs’ inability to make their dominance count.
Frank’s Frustration and Reflection
In his post-match interview, Thomas Frank cut a measured yet disappointed figure.
“Always disappointing to lose, always disappointing to go out of a tournament we would love to progress in,” he said. “Small margins decided the game — it was very even with chances at both ends. The two goals were small margins, and one came from a mistake that shouldn’t happen.”
Frank went on to explain the delicate balancing act of managing squad rotation in a congested fixture calendar. Spurs had made four changes from their previous league win over Everton, while Newcastle made eight. Despite that, Frank felt his side had competed well enough to deserve more.
“We wanted to compete, and I think we did,” he added. “Unfortunately, we came out on the wrong end of it. It’s a busy schedule — Everton, Newcastle, and then Chelsea on Saturday — and you have to rotate. Some players need rest, others need rhythm. It’s a very fine balance.”
A Tale of Missed Opportunities
For Tottenham, this defeat will sting not only because of the officiating controversy but also due to the number of wasted opportunities. Son Heung-min tested Nick Pope twice, Maddison curled a free kick inches over, and young forward Dane Scarlett missed a golden chance late in the first half.
Those moments came back to haunt Spurs, and as Frank acknowledged, the margins at the top level are merciless. Newcastle, on the other hand, were clinical, composed, and defensively compact — exactly what’s needed in knockout football.
Newcastle’s Composure and Cup Credentials
The result means Eddie Howe’s men remain on course to defend their EFL Cup title, having now reached back-to-back quarterfinals. Their ability to rotate heavily — eight changes and still maintain control — underlines the squad depth that Tottenham are still developing under Frank.
With Schar and Woltemade on target and Tonali back orchestrating the midfield, Newcastle reminded everyone why they’re one of the most consistent cup sides in England at the moment.
What’s Next
Tottenham now turn their attention to a crucial Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while Newcastle will prepare for their quarterfinal meeting with Cardiff City.
Frank will hope his side can quickly regroup and turn frustration into fuel — but after another cup exit defined by small details, Spurs fans are left wondering when luck, and refereeing decisions, will finally swing their way.
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