Newcastle United secured their first domestic trophy in 70 years, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, a historic moment that will cement manager Eddie Howe and his squad into club folklore. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak either side of halftime set the Magpies on course for victory, ensuring a return to silverware for the first time since their Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph in 1969 and ending a domestic trophy drought dating back to the 1955 FA Cup. Liverpool, already reeling from their Champions League exit to PSG earlier in the week, pulled a goal back through Federico Chiesa in stoppage time, but Newcastle held firm to lift the cup in front of a jubilant Toon Army. This victory also marks Newcastle United's first major trophy under Saudi ownership, following the club's acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2021. Since the takeover, the club has undergone a major transformation, with significant investments in the squad and infrastructure aimed at establishing Newcastle among Europe's elite. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations as Newcastle's long wait for a major domestic trophy finally ended. The victory not only secures European football next season but also etches Howe and his players into Geordie history. Newcastle showed greater energy and intent throughout, outplaying a sluggish Liverpool side. Joelinton delivered a monumental performance in midfield, setting the tone with crunching tackles and relentless pressing, while Tino Livramento kept Mohamed Salah quiet. Boyhood Newcastle fan Dan Burn, fresh from his first England call-up, opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, towering over Liverpool's defense to meet Kieran Trippier's corner. Isak doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, clinically finishing from a Jacob Murphy knockdown. Liverpool's late goal prompted a nervy finish, with VAR taking time to confirm Chiesa's strike was onside. However, Newcastle stood firm, ending a streak of nine successive Wembley defeats and delivering a moment that will be cherished on Tyneside for generations. Liverpool's season has been remarkable, and they remain in pole position for the Premier League title, but their hopes of adding further silverware took a massive hit this week. After crashing out of the Champions League to PSG, their Carabao Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they were outplayed by Newcastle. Even Chiesa's late goal failed to spark a revival, with Arne Slot's side looking drained and uninspired. Salah was nullified by Livramento, while the defensive lapse for Burn's opener was glaring, as the giant defender was left completely unmarked, with Alexis Mac Allister his nearest challenger. Liverpool's midfield looked fatigued, struggling to cope with Newcastle's intensity, and their defensive lapses were punished again by Isak's ruthless finish. Slot's side appeared to be running on empty, and the international break may provide a much-needed reset as they aim to secure their 20th English title. Despite a stellar domestic campaign, this cup final loss capped a brutal week for Liverpool, leaving them with Premier League glory as their only remaining target. — Agencies
