Newcastle United have won the Carabao Cup after defeating Liverpool 2-1!
After a long, long 70 years, Newcastle United’s long wait for a trophy is finally over after they defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe’s side were the aggressors from the off and played with an energy and determination that hasn’t been seen since they defeated Arsenal to make the final.
The Magpies pressed high, didn’t give their opponents a second to dictate the play, kept Mohammed Salah quiet and were the more dangerous side in an engrossing opening half.
Things got even better just before the whistle as, just as it seemed they wouldn’t be able to make their strong start count, when Dan Burn was once again first to a corner to head the ball home.
It was Newcastle’s first goal at Wembley for 25 years and nothing less than they deserved, as the thousands of fans exploded into raptures.
Newcastle’s performance didn’t dip after the break, either, as Alexander Isak swept in the second with a superb strike.
That finally woke Liverpool up and they fought to get back into the game and in the 93rd minute Federico Chiesa halved the lead to set up a terryfing closing stretch.
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But the relentless Newcastle didn’t falter and history has finally been made.
Here is how the sensational players rated on an unforgettable day for Newcastle United.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Nick Pope – 8
Wasn’t tested often in the first-half but was alert to danger and quick off his line when Liverpool got in behind. When a strike finally came his way on the hour mark he made a brilliant reflex save.
Unfortunate to see Chiesa’s goal go through his legs.
Kieran Trippier – 10
Newcastle fans rightly worried about not having Lewis Hall for the match but Kieran Trippier was fantastic in his place. The veteran’s experience and tenacity was crucial in the semi-final and so it proved again as he had Luis Diaz’s number.
He was proactive in winning back the ball, energetic down the right and deadly with his set piece delviery, setting up the opener and creating a host of chances.
Fabian Schar – 9
Pressed high to win tackles and there was none of the mistakes that have crept into his game in recent weeks. Was imperious as Liverpool threw everything at Newcastle late on, clearing everything that came near him.
Dan Burn – 10
He doesn’t score as many goals as he should from corners but what a moment for the boy from Blyth to finally make his giant frame count!
Burn was a constant threat to Liverpool at set pieces (it’s baffling a centre-back wasn’t moved to mark him) as he kept winning crosses at the back-post. He set two chances up and it was no no surprise he got the opener from the exact same position with a brilliant header.
Kept Salah well-marshalled as well in a legendary display.
Tino Livramento – 9
Given a difficult job to keep close to Salah on his unatural side but did so superbly – winning 100% of his duels in the first-half – with the Egyptian only managing to do anything of note deep into stoppage time at the end of the first 45.
Got forward well, too, and managed to swing in some dangerous crosses, including for the second.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9
Bruno Guimaraes promised he would give everything at Wembley and that’s what he did from the very first seconds. It was a true captain’s performance from the Brazilian who was strong in the challenge and with the ball at his feet as he carried the team up the field.
There was class to go with the rough and tumble, with some great forward passing and he got himself into several dangerous positions.
However, did lose the ball that led to Liverpool’s late goal.
Sandro Tonali – 10
A showing that completely epitomised Newcastle’s all-heart performance. Sandro Tonali was absolutely everywhere. In theory, he is the midfielder that sits deep but he was pressing high up the field as well and breaking on counter attacks as the Magpies took the game by the scruff of the neck.
The Italian was crucial in preventing Liverpool’s own counters, dominated their classy midfield and used the ball efficiently. Heroically took the ball into the corner to ensure a nerve-shredding final few minutes went by as best as possible.
Joelinton – 10
Newcastle’s midfield smothered Liverpool into submission and Joelinton was just as crucial in doing so as his partners in crime. The tireless workhorse was missing in the recent league defeat to the Reds and his return was pivotal for Newcastle.
He was aggressive and combative as he battered Liverpool’s midfielders across the field and made some crucial challenges, with one particularly moment of tracking back in the first half earning him raucous cheers from the fans.
Like everyone, never stopped running.
Jacob Murphy – 7
Squandered a few threatening positions in the first half with the ball at his feet but rose highest to win a header to set up Isak for the crucial second. Bright and confident but should have been a bit more clinical.
Alexander Isak – 8
Struggled to get involved much in the play with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate on his case but came to life after the break.
He was unfortunate to see a goal ruled out for off-side due to Guimaraes’ positioning but seconds later he vollied in a stunner to double the lead.
Still not his best game, though, as he wasn’t his sharpest on the ball and should have made it three to kill the game off. Clearly played through some pain before going off with 10 to go.
Harvey Barnes – 8
Losing Anthony Gordon to suspension was a big blow, especially since his replacement hasn’t played an awful lost in recent months, but Harvey Barnes ensured he was up to the task with a lively, dangerous performance.
Barnes was positive on the ball and had the beating of Jarell Quansah repeatedly, with only his finally ball not being quite right on most occasions letting him down.
Yet, he was involved in the second and should have had an assist when Isak saw a golden chance saved.
Substitutes
Callum Wilson – 7
Ran hard up front but fired a good chance over.
Joe Willock – 7
Helped sure up the midfield as Liverpool flooded forward late on.
Emil Krafth – 6
On in stoppage time.