After a long wait of seven decades, Newcastle United has finally secured a major trophy, triumphing over Liverpool 2-1 in the English League Cup final. The match, held at Wembley Stadium, saw Dan Burn score just before halftime and Alexander Isak add another shortly after the break, giving Newcastle a two-goal lead. Although Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa reduced the deficit in injury time, Newcastle held firm to claim their first piece of silverware since their acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in 2021.
Captain Bruno Guimaraes expressed the overwhelming joy of finally being champions again, stating, “After 70 years we can now say we are the champions again.” The last time Newcastle won a major domestic trophy was in 1955 with the FA Cup, and the club has suffered through many near misses, including a League Cup final defeat just two years ago.
The victory was significant not only for the club but also for its supporters, who have endured a long period without silverware. Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, praised his team’s performance and their ability to rise to the occasion in a cup final. He emphasised the importance of seizing such opportunities against top teams.
Liverpool, despite being at the top of the Premier League and aiming for their 20th title, faced disappointment with this loss, adding to a tough week that also saw them eliminated from the Champions League. Manager Arne Slot recognised the difficulty of competing in high-stakes matches, acknowledging that even formidable opponents like Liverpool can experience defeat.
Fans of Newcastle celebrated jubilantly at Wembley, hopeful that this triumph marks the beginning of a new era under their new ownership. While financial fair play restrictions have limited extravagant spending, Newcastle’s investments in players like Burn and Isak have already begun to pay off. Howe hinted at the potential for more trophies in the future, reflecting optimism in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
As Newcastle relishes this victory, the club looks forward to building on this success and returning to the forefront of English football.