LONDON – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has insisted he was right to make wholesale changes to his side because of fatigue, as the English Premier League high-flyers were shocked 2-1 by third-tier Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

With Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final against Leicester City in mind, Howe, whose team are third in the Premier League, made eight changes to the side who drew 0-0 at Arsenal in their previous match.

But a weakened Newcastle could do nothing to stop themselves from falling two goals behind as League One side Wednesday’s Josh Windass netted twice in the second half at the Hillsborough Stadium.

“I think you pick it (the team selection) looking ahead at future games of course,” Howe said.

“We have a very quick turnaround, a late kick-off today, and I felt I saw some fatigue in the Arsenal performance.

“The lads gave everything and I felt it would have been unwise of me to pick the same team for this game and for Leicester as well. I am not sure the lads were physically able to give it their best if I did that. Hence the changes.”

Windass opened the scoring as he finished off an intricate move in the 52nd minute, before doubling his side’s advantage when he coolly slotted past Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka later in the half after running through a gap in the middle of the defence.

“It’s one of the proudest moments in my managerial career to date,” Wednesday manager Darren Moore told the BBC.

“I’m really pleased for everybody at the club and I’m delighted for the players. We were up against a really good team and put in an excellent performance.”

Howe’s Newcastle were the dominant side, with 76 per cent of the possession and 22 shots compared with the hosts’ nine, yet they failed to make the most of it.

Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back for the Magpies in the 69th minute as he tapped in from close range after goalkeeper Cameron Dawson did well to stop Chris Wood’s initial effort from a corner, but it was little more than a consolation.

Dawson was called into action throughout the game to keep the dream alive for Wednesday, and his manager highlighted the importance of his performance

“Cameron Dawson pulled off a couple of great saves. You know you’re going to get tested against teams like this, so your goalkeeper has to concentrate and be in the right place when needed, and he was,” said Moore.

Howe also highlighted that he thought his team should have made the most of the chances they created.

He told the BBC: “(We are) bitterly disappointed to go out, I thought the performance was okay.

“We created enough chances to win the tie and their goalkeeper made a number of great saves but we weren’t clinical enough when those presentable opportunities were there. We have to accept the defeat.” REUTERS