Saudi Arabia’s buyout may have raised Newcastle’s level but it is the manager who has shaped a team now punching above their weight

Eddie Howe has revealed that Newcastle United targeted William Saliba and Gabriel during their 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi final. Newcastle already held a 2-0 lead on aggregate from their win in the first leg of their semi final at the Emirates Stadium last month and went on to book their place at Wembley with the same victory

This is Newcastle United, however. No domestic trophy in 70 years can do that to a fanbase. Couple that with two poor home defeats in their last two games at St James’ Park, and a difficult transfer window that saw them lose two players and sign nobody,