The Carabao Cup may rest lonely in the club’s trophy cabinet, but rarely will a tin pot be cherished as much by so many. That is why Howe pickled an XI full of England and Brazil internationals, and that is why a crowd of 51,706 turned up to support its defence.
A strong team - arguably stronger than the one that drew at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday - duly produced a strong performance. A brace apiece for Joelinton and William Osula were enough to ensure safe and stylish passage to the last 16, with only three more ties to negotiate before Wembley - that is the plan they are working towards.