WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON // Liverpool couldn't match the Newcastle United intensity in the Carabao Cup final as Eddie Howe's side ended its long wait for a trophy by winning 2-1 at the national stadium.
Just on the stroke of half-time, Dan Burn powered a brilliant header into the far corner of Caoimhin Kelleher's goal. He got above Alexis Mac Allister and directed a shot into the corner to break the deadlock in what had been a scrappy opening to the game.
Less than 10 minutes into the second half, Alexander Isak had made it 2-0 leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb. Arne Slot called for Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez off the bench but neither could make enough of a difference. Federico Chiesa pulled one back but that came too late for Liverpool to force extra-time.
Winners
The Newcastle fans and players who reveled in the occasion were the only winners here. Across the field, those in black and white had won their battles, while Liverpool looked jaded.
Whether that was because of the extra-time period in the Champions League midweek or just the season in general catching up with them, the Reds lacked intensity when it mattered. They lost duels and couldn't seem to cope with the Newcastle physicality.
Losers
Diogo Jota struggled to get involved in the game before he was replaced, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar firmly coming out on top in that battle. Others were quiet as well but as the Liverpool number nine in a game like this, he needed to step up and make a bit more of an impact.
Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah were similar and Newcastle was able to bodies behind the ball before either could really get a head of steam. Alexis Mac Allister, meanwhile, never fully adjusted to the pace in the center of the field and was replaced by Cody Gakpo soon after the hour mark.
Player ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher (6). Given the nod ahead of Alisson Becker with this being his competition, the Irishman couldn't do anything with the goals that he conceded in the game, having been solid up until that point. He needed more from those in front of him.
Jarell Quansah (6). With no other right-back options available, it was down to the 22-year-old to fill in out of position for Liverpool. He almost allowed Alexander Isak to go through on goal in the first half but was generally good on the ball aside from that.
Ibrahima Konate (6). Tests don't come much bigger than facing Isak but he was well-positioned on a few occasions when the Swede looked to race away. He wasn't to blame for the Newcastle goals.
Virgil van Dijk (7). The match-winner in this fixture last season, the Liverpool captain looked to lead by example but he needed more from those in front of him. He was composed but there was little movement for him to find a pass.
Andy Robertson (6). Jacob Murphy is not a fancy name but he is a tricky winger to come up against. Robertson did pretty well with a physical and direct opponent but didn't show too much in terms of attacking intent. That was required from someone.
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Ryan Gravenberch (6). Putting his foot in well at times in midfield, it was a physical game. He thrives more when in possession but there was always bodies around him or the ball bobbling around.
Alexis Mac Allister (5). There were times, especially in the first half, when he looked a little ruffled by the physicality of the Newcastle midfield, which was much improved from the game at Anfield last month because of the return of Joelinton. He had one or two moments but nothing more.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6). As ever, he didn't lack energy. There wasn't much in terms of creativity from the number 10, though. The Hungarian has been in good form lately but he was not at his best here.
Mohamed Salah (5). Silenced by TIno Livramento, he barely had a kick. The Egyptian has been electric this season but he needs space to work his magic in. He just didn't have any here.
Diogo Jota (5). There wasn't much for him to feed on in front of goal. He dropped back to help defend but was getting a little frustrated at times. He just didn't show enough to hold the ball up or create chances for others or himself.
Luis Diaz (5). With Kieran Trippier being his direct opponent, you would have fancied him to beat the Newcastle full-back a few more times considering his pace and trickery. Instead, the Colombian was largely shut down.
Substitutes
Darwin Nunez (5). Brought on to inject some life into an attack that was faltering, the Uruguayan was unable to change the tide. He offered little in terms of movement or link-up play.
Curtis Jones (6). Got into a good position to shoot when Nick Pope pulled off a good save not long after he had come on. Looked like he wanted to prove a point after his PSG penalty miss earlier in the week.
Federico Chiesa (7). Injected some life into the Liverpool attack and scored a goal, after an age. A good showing from the Italian, who deserves more chances.
Harvey Elliott (7). Similar to Chiesa, has been unlucky. Good ball for the Italian's consolation.