Josh Windass scored twice for the Owls in the second half to give them the victory in a thrilling encounter at Hillsborough.
With more than 20 minutes left, substitute Bruno Guimaraes’ close-range strike gave Newcastle some optimism, but they were unable to force an equalizer.
Eddie Howe’s team hasn’t lost since their match against Liverpool on August 31.
After both teams missed strong chances in a competitive first half, Windass scored the game’s opening goal seven minutes into the second half by completing a smooth play.
Starting it off, George Byers made a deft spin just inside the Newcastle half before advancing toward the penalty spot.
He passed the ball wide to Liam Palmer, who found Dennis Adeniran by sliding in, and Windass converted his cross-shot.
The goal was upheld since there was no VAR in use even though it appeared that the forward may have been slightly offside.
The second wasn’t controversial in any way. Michael Smith’s excellent first-time pass set Windass free, and he displayed great poise as he opened up his body and curled the ball past Martin Dubravka and into the far corner of the goal.
Hillsborough was bouncing, but just four minutes later, Brazil midfielder Guimaraes, who also appeared to be just on the edge of offside, stabbed in from a yard out after the Owls failed to deal with a corner.
In my management career, it’s one of my finest moments, Owls boss Darren Moore told the BBC.
“I’m extremely happy for the players and for everyone at the club. We performed quite well despite playing a highly strong squad.
“We executed perfectly because we knew we had to deliver both on and off the ball. We have confidence in our ability to score goals, and after achieving them, we stood firm against the final onslaught.”
Even though home goalkeeper Cameron Dawson made several crucial stops, he was powerless to stop Chris Wood from blazing Newcastle’s best opportunity to equalize with eight minutes left. Windass came close to completing his hat-trick with a fierce long free-kick that rebounded off the bar.
Moore continued, “We didn’t let them get into a rhythm, and that gave us some optimism in the game. “I think they all performed admirably. Josh will likely garner the most attention, but Cameron made a few outstanding saves.
Your keeper needs to focus and be available when needed, and he was. You know you’ll be tested against teams like this.
An element of luck is almost always going to be needed for a League One team to defeat an in-form Premier League team, even if they are playing with several alterations from their regular league lineup.
Even though Wednesday was impressive and had much of play for extended periods of time, Newcastle will regret the chances they missed.
Howe told BBC Sport that while their goalkeeper made some outstanding stops, “we created enough chances to win the tie, but we weren’t clinical enough when those presentable opportunities were there.”
“We must accept the defeat. Sheffield Wednesday fought tooth and nail, just like we did, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
“We haven’t suffered defeat much this season, and it’s quite difficult; you don’t want to lose any games,” Howe continued.
In spite of showing flashes of his talent, Alexander Isak showed indications of rust as Newcastle welcomed him back following a hamstring injury that kept him out since September.
Although Dawson made a spectacular stop on the Sweden striker’s header from six yards out, the goalkeeper shouldn’t have been given the opportunity to make the save.
Sheffield native Josh Windass Wednesday wins at Hillsborough versus Newcastle United.
For Sheffield Wednesday, Josh Windass scored his 10th and 11th goals of the year.
View the entire FA Cup third-round action, including the Sheff Wednesday vs. Newcastle match.
When given space in the area later in the half, he shot directly at the goalkeeper, while Jacob Murphy should have performed better when sent free by a ball over the top.
Late in the game, Wood had the biggest opportunity of them, but he blew it by finishing poorly after being set up by Joelinton.
But more importantly, the Owls were able to capitalize on Newcastle’s carelessness and bravely protect their advantage to earn a storied victory.
Liverpool survived a late scare but face an FA Cup replay with Wolves after a VAR call called “impossible” by Julen Lopetegui denied them a late winner in a 2-2 draw.
West Ham’s Said Benrahma came off the bench to dump former club Brentford out of the FA Cup in superb style and end his side’s winless run.
Adam Armstrong pounced on an error from Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita to complete Southampton’s comeback in a 2-1 FA Cup third-round win at Selhurst Park.
