The atmosphere inside St James’ Park on Wednesday night told a powerful story about the bond between Newcastle United, their supporters, and Eddie Howe. Just days after the pain of losing the Tyne-Wear derby, there was genuine uncertainty about how the crowd would react.
A defeat to Sunderland always leaves scars, and frustration had been building around performances, intensity, and decision-making. Many wondered whether that frustration would spill over onto the pitch and towards the manager.
Instead, what happened within the opening minute against Fulham spoke louder than any result or headline.
As soon as the referee blew the whistle to start the Carabao Cup quarter-final, Newcastle fans made their feelings crystal clear. Almost immediately, the stadium rang out with chants of “Eddie Howe’s black and white army.”
There was no hesitation, no awkward silence, and no sense of division. It was a show of unity and trust, a clear signal that despite the derby disappointment, the supporters were standing firmly behind their manager.
This reaction mattered. The loss to Sunderland had been hard to take, not just because of local pride, but because of how flat Newcastle looked on the day.
There had been criticism aimed at the players and the coaching staff, and questions raised about hunger and identity. But football moves quickly, and so do the emotions around it. On Wednesday night, the fans chose to push the team forward rather than drag them down.
That early chant set the tone for the entire evening. It lifted the players, settled the nerves, and reminded everyone inside the ground that cup football is about belief as much as quality.
Newcastle responded with a committed performance and eventually earned a dramatic 2-1 win over Fulham to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Yoane Wissa got the hosts off to a dream start with an early goal, showing sharp movement and confidence in front of goal. Fulham responded through Sasa Lukic, and for long spells the match felt tense and scrappy.
Chances were limited, and neither side truly dominated. Yet Newcastle stayed patient, backed relentlessly from the stands, and refused to let the game drift away.
As the minutes ticked by, the support for Howe only grew stronger. The early chants turned into sustained backing, and it became clear that the fans had taken Bruno Guimaraes’ call for unity to heart.
After the derby loss, Bruno had spoken openly about the need for everyone connected to the club to stick together. On this night, the supporters answered that call in full voice.
The moment that sealed the night arrived deep into stoppage time. Lewis Miley, still a teenager and playing out of position, rose highest to head home a brilliant corner and send St James’ Park into chaos.
The roar that followed was one of pure release. Relief, joy, pride, and hope all poured out at once. By full-time, it was Miley’s name echoing around the ground, a reminder of the talent coming through and the future being built.
That winning goal did more than just send Newcastle into the semi-finals. It restored belief after a bruising weekend and reinforced the connection between the manager, the players, and the supporters.
Newcastle are now set to face Manchester City in the last four as they continue their defence of the trophy they lifted back in March. It is a daunting challenge, but one that fans are already daring to dream about. Wembley is back in sight, even if the road there will be tough.
Away from the pitch, Wor Flags also played their part in shaping the narrative of the night. After the Sunderland defeat, the supporter group had been brutally honest, posting a message that read, “No urgency. No hunger. No identity. Unacceptable.”
It captured the mood of many fans in that moment. But against Fulham, they shifted focus towards unity rather than criticism.
As the Newcastle players walked out onto the pitch, banners were unveiled in the Gallowgate showing two faces side by side: Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes.
The manager and the captain, together. It was a powerful image, especially given the reports of disagreement between the two following the derby, with Bruno describing the Sunderland performance as a “mess.” The banner sent a simple message: disagreements happen, but the club moves forward as one.
That sense of togetherness was reflected in the performance. Players worked harder, fought for second balls, and showed more energy than they had days earlier. Jacob Ramsey impressed with his work rate and composure, while Wissa continued his fine scoring form.
But it was Miley who embodied the spirit of the night, stepping up in an unfamiliar role and delivering in the biggest moment.
In football, results matter, but moments like this can define a season. The way Newcastle fans rallied behind Eddie Howe within seconds of kick-off showed that trust still exists.
It showed patience, belief, and a refusal to let one bad day define the journey. After the pain of the derby loss, St James’ Park chose unity over anger, and that choice was rewarded.
As Newcastle look ahead to Manchester City and the challenges still to come, one thing is clear. Whatever happens next, Eddie Howe does not stand alone. On Wednesday night, his supporters made sure everyone knew it.
