The black-and-white-clad Newcastle United supporters arrived at Wembley with a mix of hope and apprehension, wondering if their long wait for a domestic trophy would finally come to an end. It had been nearly seven decades since their last major silverware, the 1955 FA Cup victory over Manchester City. That historic win, marked by goals from Jackie Milburn, Bobby Mitchell, and George Hannah, had become folklore. Now, a new generation of players had the opportunity to etch their names into club history.
Their moment arrived in an unforgettable Carabao Cup final, a day that felt like one massive Newcastle celebration. The tension peaked as the fourth official indicated eight minutes of stoppage time. Federico Chiesa, coming on as a Liverpool substitute, pulled a goal back to make it 2-1 after a VAR review confirmed he was onside. But Newcastle had already seized control earlier in the match, refusing to allow yet another heartbreak.
Dan Burn was the unlikely hero who set the tone. The defender, fresh off his first England call-up, powered in a towering header just before halftime to give Newcastle the lead. His defensive contributions were equally vital, as he and his teammates ensured that their team would not be denied. Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Alexander Isak all played pivotal roles in a disciplined, determined performance that delivered the first major trophy of the club’s new era.
For Eddie Howe, this victory represented a remarkable transformation. When he took over as manager in November 2021, Newcastle was deep in relegation trouble. He first stabilized the club, instilling self-belief, and then propelled them into the Champions League. Their famous dismantling of Paris Saint-Germain in October 2023 had been a landmark moment, but lifting the Carabao Cup was an even greater achievement. The victory was the most tangible reward yet for the club’s Saudi owners and their vision for a new era.
Despite the absence of Anthony Gordon due to suspension and injuries ruling out Lewis Hall and Sven Botman, Newcastle defied the odds. They had not beaten Liverpool since December 2015, yet none of that mattered. Arne Slot’s side, still reeling from their Champions League last-16 exit against PSG, struggled to find answers. Liverpool’s title chase remains on track, but on this day, they appeared drained and out of ideas.
Newcastle’s determination was evident from the opening whistle. Their pressing was relentless, their physicality unmatched. One moment in the first half captured the spirit of their performance—Joelinton sprinting back in the 38th minute to dispossess Jarell Quansah before turning to the crowd in celebration. His aggressive pressing and constant energy set the tone for the team.
Just before halftime, Burn’s goal intensified the atmosphere. The TV cameras captured scenes of delirium in the stands, as Alan Shearer, Ant & Dec, and thousands of ecstatic fans were engrossed in the moment. Thomas Tuchel, the new England manager, had recently joked that Burn’s towering frame made him simple to overlook. Liverpool, however, had done exactly that, failing to track him during set pieces. They had already been warned in the 36th minute when Burn nodded a corner back into the box, only for Guimarães to miscue his flicked header.
Newcastle’s second goal came early in the second half, sending their supporters into dreamland. Isak had already found the net moments earlier, only to see his goal disallowed for offside. But when Tino Livramento lofted a cross into the area and Jacob Murphy outmuscled Andy Robertson to send the ball toward Isak, the striker made no mistake. His precise half-volley left Caoimhin Kelleher helpless and put Newcastle firmly in command.
Liverpool attempted to rally. Nick Pope made a sharp save from substitute Curtis Jones, and an instinctive Kelleher stop denied Isak another goal. But Newcastle had built an unassailable lead. Even when Harvey Elliott intercepted a misplaced Guimarães turn to set up Chiesa’s late goal, the belief never wavered.
As the final whistle blew, Newcastle United could finally celebrate the end of their long trophy drought. The emotion poured from the stands and onto the pitch, where players and fans shared a historic moment. This was not just about winning the Carabao Cup—it was about rewriting the club’s narrative and proving that Newcastle had truly arrived on football’s biggest stage.
