Secret behind Newcastle's Carabao Cup win as Liverpool's season catches up with them
After a 56-year wait, Newcastle finally won a major trophy with a glorious, unforgettable and heroic victory at Wembley - but Liverpool looked as if finally their season had caught up with them
by John Cross · The MirrorThey will have to build a statue of Eddie Howe outside St James’s Park.
After a 56-year wait, Newcastle finally won a major trophy with a glorious, unforgettable and heroic victory at Wembley. The Toon Army turned the stadium black and white as they rolled back the years and twirled their scarves in delight to toast a performance which deserves to go down in legend.
We always knew they would enjoy the moment when it eventually came and Newcastle look as if they are ready for the biggest and longest party ever seen on Tyneside. Howe did what Sir Bobby Robson, Ruud Gullit and Kevin Keegan were not able to do as he guided this wonderful, passionate club to silverware.
The victory was littered with great stories. Dan Burn, 32, the Blyth-born lifelong Newcastle fan, scored the opener just two days after getting an England call-up. Alexander Isak got the second as he terrorised Liverpool again. There were so many big performances as Newcastle just had too much energy, strength and determination for Liverpool who looked as if finally their season had caught up with them.
But one stood out from the rest. Brazil midfielder Joelinton was incredible as he battled and fought for every ball. And after every challenge, turned to the Newcastle fans to fist-pump and whip them up. That is what it means for Newcastle. Liverpool will undoubtedly win the Premier League title but maybe, just maybe, the Carabao Cup meant more for Newcastle and that was the secret behind their performance.
Newcastle had lost on their last eight visits to Wembley and, two years ago, they looked overwhelmed when they reached this final but succumbed to Manchester United. This time, Newcastle looked pumped, energised and ready. This club has been on one hell of a ride since the Saudi takeover and Howe’s arrival - and this felt like the realisation of the dream.
Howe is also the first English manager to win a major domestic trophy since Harry Redknapp led Portsmouth to the FA Cup in 2008 and it was no wonder the Newcastle boss celebrated wildly.
Newcastle did have an edge on Liverpool who just looked as if this was one game too far for Arne Slot’s men. They are miles ahead in the title race but expended so much energy in the Champions League in midweek before going out to Paris Saint Germain after extra time and penalties.
Far too many big players did not turn up for Liverpool. Mo Salah was anonymous. They were overrun in midfield. Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson gave everything but, for so many of the rest, there was nothing left in their legs.
It was obvious from the start that Newcastle had more. They dominated. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton bossed midfield. The best Liverpool could hope for was to reach half time and regroup. But their luck ran out in first half injury time. Kieran Trippier’s corner found Burn and he was left unmarked to head home.
Isak thought he had made it two after the break - but VAR ruled it offside. But Newcastle did not have to wait much longer. And nor did Isak. Tino Livramento’s cross was knocked down by the excellent Jacob Murphy and there was Isak to sweep home. His passionate celebration said everything about his commitment to the club.
Liverpool rang the changes but struggled to find a way back. Curtis Jones was denied by Newcastle keeper Nick Pope. Isak was denied a second by a super save from Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Eventually, Liverpool got one back. Harvey Elliott sent Federico Chiesa through and the Liverpool substitute raced through to slot past Pope. A lengthy VAR check showed it was onside.
But it was too little too late. Newcastle held on and deserved their victory and an unforgettable moment in the club’s history.
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