Newcastle United etched their name into the history books on Sunday, ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with a commanding 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
It was a night of redemption and triumph for Eddie Howe’s side, who exorcised the ghost of the 2023 final’s defeat to Manchester United with a performance full of grit, passion, and clinical finishing.
Dan Burn sent the Magpies into a frenzy with a sensational header on the stroke of halftime, before Alexander Isak doubled the lead with a poacher’s finish early in the second half.
Federico Chiesa’s stoppage-time strike provided a late scare, but it was too little, too late for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who followed their Champions League heartbreak with another bitter defeat.
From Heartbreak to Glory: Newcastle’s Moment of History
For Newcastle, this was more than just a trophy—it was an end to decades of near-misses and unfulfilled dreams.
The Magpies’ last domestic cup success came in the 1955 FA Cup final, and since then, they had endured five major final defeats and multiple close calls in league campaigns.
The weight of history was evident as Newcastle’s players roared with every tackle, and their supporters, who had traveled in droves to Wembley, erupted with every clearance.
With the financial backing of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Newcastle have long been tipped as a rising force in English football.
However, before Sunday, skeptics doubted whether they could shake off their reputation as perennial underachievers.
That narrative was shattered under the Wembley arch, as Howe’s men showed the resilience and tactical discipline needed to lift silverware.
Howe himself made history, becoming the first English manager to win a major trophy since Harry Redknapp guided Portsmouth to FA Cup glory in 2008.
Liverpool’s Campaign at a Crossroads
For Liverpool, this loss came at the worst possible time. Just five days after being eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, the Reds looked lethargic and short on ideas.
Their lack of attacking threat was underscored by the fact that they registered just one shot in the entire first half—a tame effort from Diogo Jota just before halftime.
Although the Premier League title remains within their grasp, this latest setback has exposed vulnerabilities that could derail their season.
Mohamed Salah, their talisman all campaign, struggled to make an impact once again, continuing a dip in form at a crucial stage of the season.
With a 17-day break before their next fixture against Everton, Slot has time to regroup, but unless Liverpool rediscover their spark, their dream of lifting the Premier League trophy in May could also slip away.
Burn Lives Every Newcastle Fan’s Dream
Dan Burn’s story is the stuff of footballing fairytales. A lifelong Newcastle supporter, born just 15 miles away in Blyth, Burn has always dreamed of moments like this.
The 32-year-old defender, who recently earned his first England call-up, produced one of the best headers seen in a Wembley final, rising above the Liverpool defense to power his team ahead.
His journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. Released by Fulham in 2016, Burn dropped into the Championship with Wigan Athletic before rebuilding his career at Brighton & Hove Albion.
When Newcastle signed him in January 2022, many saw him as a stopgap solution, a squad player until bigger names arrived.
Instead, under Howe’s management, Burn has been transformed into a key figure, embodying the spirit of the new Newcastle.
Isak’s Rise to Stardom
Alexander Isak once again proved why he is one of the most lethal forwards in Europe, scoring his 16th goal of the season and his fourth against Liverpool since joining Newcastle.
The Swedish striker’s clinical finish put the game beyond reach, and his movement and technical ability tormented Liverpool’s defense all evening.
However, Isak’s brilliance has not gone unnoticed. Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly monitoring him as a potential transfer target, and with the demand for elite strikers higher than ever, Newcastle could face a battle to keep their record signing.
While their Carabao Cup triumph secures a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League, Newcastle will need to match Isak’s ambitions to ensure he remains a part of their long-term project.
What Next for Newcastle and Liverpool?
This victory could be the catalyst for sustained success for Newcastle.
With financial backing and a squad full of potential, they will now set their sights on breaking into the Premier League’s top four and challenging for more silverware in the coming years.
For Liverpool, the challenge is to bounce back quickly. With the Premier League title still in their hands, they cannot afford to dwell on this defeat.
Slot will need to rally his players and address their tactical and physical struggles if they are to finish the season with the ultimate prize.
Sunday’s final will be remembered as the night Newcastle United ended their decades-long wait for glory.
