Newcastle United End 70-Year Trophy Drought with Stunning Carabao Cup Final Victory Over Liverpool
Newcastle United have finally ended their long wait for a major domestic trophy, defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to win the 2024/25 Carabao Cup. The Magpies, who last lifted silverware in 1955, produced a disciplined and determined display to overcome the Premier League leaders and claim their first major honor in 70 years.
This triumph not only marks a significant moment in Newcastle’s history but also sees Eddie Howe become the first English manager to win a domestic cup competition since Harry Redknapp guided Portsmouth to FA Cup success in 2008.
A Historic Night for Newcastle United
For Newcastle fans, this victory erases decades of frustration. Their last major domestic triumph came in the FA Cup final of 1955, while their most recent success in Europe was the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969. Having suffered heartbreak at Wembley two years ago in the 2023 Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, this time, they made no mistake against a Liverpool side chasing multiple trophies.
Newcastle started the final with five players aged 30 or older, making them the oldest starting XI in a League Cup final since Manchester City in 2018. That experience proved vital, as the Magpies frustrated Liverpool with a disciplined defensive display while remaining a constant threat going forward.
Burn and Isak Fire Newcastle to Glory
Liverpool, widely regarded as one of Europe’s strongest teams, struggled to break down Newcastle’s well-organized setup in the first half. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Arne Slot’s men failed to register a shot on target until the dying moments of the half.
Newcastle, on the other hand, looked dangerous from set-pieces, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time before the break. A perfectly delivered corner from Kieran Trippier found Dan Burn, who powered a header past Caoimhín Kelleher to give the Magpies a 1-0 lead. The 32-year-old defender, who recently earned his first England call-up, could not have picked a better moment to end his year-long goal drought.
The Magpies doubled their lead early in the second half through Alexander Isak. After a disallowed goal earlier in the game, the Swedish striker made no mistake in the 58th minute, finishing emphatically after a well-worked move involving Tino Livramento and Josh Murphy. It was a fitting way to mark his 100th appearance for Newcastle, taking his goal tally for the club to 58 since joining in August 2022.
Liverpool substitute Federico Chiesa pulled a goal back in stoppage time, setting up a tense finish. However, Newcastle’s defense held firm, ensuring they would not be denied their long-awaited moment of glory.
Liverpool’s Treble Hopes in Tatters
For Liverpool, this defeat capped off a disastrous week. Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain just days earlier, their dreams of securing a treble have now been reduced to a single trophy pursuit—the Premier League.
Despite leading Arsenal by 12 points with nine games remaining, this loss will leave a bitter taste. The Reds were second-best for much of the game, and questions will be raised about their ability to handle high-pressure cup finals under Slot’s leadership.
Historic Achievement for Eddie Howe and Newcastle
Newcastle’s triumph not only delivers long-awaited silverware but also cements Eddie Howe’s status as one of the Premier League’s most impressive managers. He becomes the first Englishman to win the League Cup since Steve McClaren did so with Middlesbrough in 2004.
Key Stats from the Final:
•Newcastle United have won their first major trophy since the 1968/69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and their first domestic title since the 1954/55 FA Cup.
•Liverpool become the eighth team to lose a League Cup final as defending champions, the first since Tottenham Hotspur in 2009.
•Newcastle ended a run of nine consecutive defeats at Wembley, securing their first win at the stadium since 1955.
•Dan Burn’s goal was his first in over a year for Newcastle, ending a 54-game drought.
•Alexander Isak has now scored 58 goals in 100 games for Newcastle, with only Erling Haaland (113) and Mohamed Salah (84) netting more in that timeframe among Premier League players.
•Eddie Howe becomes the first English manager to win the League Cup since Steve McClaren in 2004.
For Newcastle, this victory could be a defining moment, potentially signaling the beginning of a new era of success under their new ownership and ambitious project. For Liverpool, the focus now shifts to securing the Premier League title and ensuring this week’s setbacks do not derail their season completely.
