Newcastle United proved plenty of people wrong by beating Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup final.
Up against a Liverpool side who have dominated the Premier League this season, Newcastle United travelled to Wembley as major underdogs.
The Merseyside club won the Carabao Cup last year and were looking to defend their title, while Newcastle were looking to win their first trophy in 70 years.
Newcastle’s record at Wembley is wretched, and last time Newcastle faced Liverpool in a cup final it ended in disaster.
But not this time. Newcastle started brilliantly and took a deserved lead through Dan Burn. Wembley was shaking when Alexander Isak scored the second. A late goal from Federico Chiesa triggered a nervous reaction, but the Magpies held on to win the trophy.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Jamie Carragher admission after Newcastle beat Liverpool
In the lead-up to the final, Jamie Carragher predicted his former side to win the final.
Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney predicted a Liverpool win, but Newcastle upset the odds in brilliant fashion.
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After Newcastle’s 2-1 win, Carragher had to accept he was wrong and he made a very honest admission about Newcastle’s performance.
Via Sky Sports, Carragher said: “Newcastle didn’t just win, they battered Liverpool. It should’ve been three or four nil.
“Liverpool got a consolation goal. I find it difficult to be too critical, considering what it looked like they were going to achieve this season but not many expected them to.
“Liverpool were poor vs PSG and Newcastle are a good Premier League team but they have wiped the floor with them.”
Newcastle United take next step in PIF plan
Newcastle have been on an upward trajectory ever since the PIF takeover in 2021, and they have now delivered the best moment of the club’s recent history.
PIF launched ‘Project 2030’ at Newcastle this month, with a long-term target to be at the top of English football in the next five years.
One of the four aims in that project was to win a trophy – something Newcastle have now ticked off.
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Now that the 70-year wait for a trophy is over, the immense pressure on the squad can be lifted. They are trophy winners, and now the aim moving forward has to be to be regular contenders.
Eddie Howe deserves huge credit for the job he has done at Newcastle. Once fans are done celebrating this trophy (if ever) there is a hugely bright future to look forward to.