North East | Newcastle start Carabao Cup defence with straightforward win

Newcastle United 4 - 1 Bradford City

Joelinton and William Osula each scored twice as holders Newcastle United began their Carabao Cup defence with a comfortable victory.

Author | Anthony Gates

Stadium | St. James' Park

Eddie Howe’s side, who ended a 70-year wait for major domestic silverware by lifting the trophy at Wembley last season with a win over Liverpool, quickly took control of this third-round tie against the League One leaders at St James’ Park.

Joelinton opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalising on a loose ball in the area to end a nine-month goal drought after Anthony Gordon’s initial effort was blocked. Striker Osula doubled the lead just two minutes later, calmly finishing after running onto a perfectly weighted through-ball from Bruno Guimaraes.

READ MORE | It's time for Newcastle’s season to really start

READ MORE | What else has been happening in the Carabao Cup?

Newcastle created further chances in the second half before Joelinton made it 3-0 in the 75th minute with a composed finish from inside the box. Bradford responded late when substitute Andy Cook, a boyhood Newcastle supporter, unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area that hit the underside of the bar.

Osula ensured a comfortable conclusion by scoring again from close range, securing a home tie against Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16.

Strong side shows Howe's respect for competition

It had been 192 days since Newcastle ended their long trophy drought with their Wembley triumph. That landmark victory over Liverpool had only heightened their appetite for further success.

There was no sign of Howe taking his eye off the ball ahead of Arsenal’s visit at the weekend, and no suggestion of underestimating an in-form Bradford side in front of a near sell-out crowd at St James’ Park.

Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon all started as Howe made seven changes from the weekend, highlighting the depth of his squad.

The team, which has struggled in front of goal at times, rediscovered their scoring touch against third-tier opposition.