Schar penalty earns Newcastle slender EFL Cup win over fourth-tier Wimbledon

Newcastle secured a narrow 1-0 victory over fourth-tier Wimbledon on Tuesday, thanks to a penalty converted by Fabian Schar in the 32nd minute. This win advances them to the fourth round of the League Cup, where they will face Chelsea.

The match was relocated to St. James' Park due to significant flooding that had rendered the League Two side's pitch unplayable.

In this encounter, Newcastle made eight alterations to the lineup that had drawn 1-1 with Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, resulting in a performance that lacked fluidity.

However, Schar's penalty, awarded in first-half stoppage time after Miguel Almiron was brought down in the box, proved sufficient to secure their progression to the last 16.

With Newcastle having not claimed a major trophy since 1969, there is increasing pressure on manager Eddie Howe to achieve success for a club supported by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

The fourth round features notable matchups, including Chelsea's visit to the northeast and Tottenham's game against Manchester City. Additionally, Liverpool will travel to Brighton, Arsenal will face Preston, and Manchester United will host Leicester.