The black-and-white-clad supporters arrived hopeful yet anxious, wondering if this would be the long-awaited day for Newcastle United. With the club’s last domestic trophy win dating back to 1955—the FA Cup against Manchester City—the excitement was palpable, yet filled with tension as fans clung to their hopes in the Carabao Cup final.
Ultimately, it was a day to remember, as new legends emerged and Newcastle celebrated a monumental victory. While there was indeed a moment of anxiety during eight minutes of added time—especially when Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa closed the gap to 2-1 after a review confirmed his goal was valid—Newcastle maintained control throughout the match.
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak had previously scored with a clinical half-volley early in the second half, making the outcome feel secure. The team’s determination was evident; they refused to let this moment slip through their fingers once again.
Dan Burn was a standout performer, opening the scoring with a powerful header just before halftime. His defensive efforts were equally tenacious during the match, all in the week of his first England call-up. Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton also shined in midfield, and their combined effort showcased a well-rounded team performance. Manager Eddie Howe has transformed Newcastle since taking over in November 2021—leading them from the relegation zone to a Champions League position.
The achievement is particularly sweet for Newcastle, who were without suspended Anthony Gordon and injured players Lewis Hall and Sven Botman. Despite a shaky form and a previous winless streak against Liverpool since December 2015, Newcastle delivered a commanding performance, bringing Liverpool to their knees for the second time in a week.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot sought to rally his team after their recent Champions League exit but was left disappointed. While Liverpool aims for league success, the impression from this match was one of fatigue and reliance on past experiences rather than present momentum.
The emotional weight of this victory was unmistakable, given Newcastle’s long wait for silverware and the rarity of such high-stakes matches. This was only their sixth trip to Wembley since 1955, and they had lost all five previous finals while managing just a single goal in those encounters.
Howe’s players fed off the palpable energy from their fans, with black-and-white scarves held aloft in unison. They embraced the occasion rather than succumbing to pressure, executing their game plan with determination from the first whistle. A notable moment was Joelinton’s sprint back to dispossess Jarell Quansah, igniting the crowd with his fierce energy.
The stadium erupted when Burn scored his goal, with TV cameras capturing iconic reactions from fans, including Alan Shearer and celebrities Ant & Dec. Liverpool’s defense seemed overwhelmed by Burn’s size and physicality, allowing him the space needed to score from a corner kick.
Liverpool’s first half was underwhelming, with a flickered opportunity from Luis Díaz ending in frustration for Diogo Jota, who couldn’t find his footing. Newcastle doubled down early in the second half with Isak’s goal, which followed a brief moment of offside confusion moments earlier.
While Slot made tactical changes, Liverpool’s chances remained slim. Bobbing for opportunities, Curtis Jones managed a header that added some pressure but ultimately proved insufficient as goalkeeper Nick Pope stood firm.
Even with stoppage time on the horizon, hope was fleeting for Liverpool. Guimarães attempted a risky play but lost possession to Harvey Elliott, who set up Chiesa’s late goal. However, any thoughts of a dramatic comeback were quickly thwarted.
As the final whistle blew, Newcastle could finally soak in the reality of their victory—an end to a trophy drought that had lasted too long, and a celebration that would echo for years to come.
Credit: The Guardian
