Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Fabian Schaer and Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrate victory following the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot needed to see something else. With his side 2-0 down in the 57th minute, the Dutchman rolled the dice and brought midfielder Curtis Jones on for defender Ibrahima Konate.
A few moments later the substitute was testing Nick Pope from the edge of the area, forcing the goalkeeper into a fine save to keep his side's advantage at two goals. It was at that moment I, for the first time, believed Eddie Howe's men were going to end their lengthy trophy drought.
In truth, there had been little reason to be nervous - either side of Pope's save. Newcastle started well, showed intent, pressed, looked solid at the back and took the lead before the break.
After the interval, it was much the same. The Magpies were clinical when they needed to be, while Liverpool looked toothless.
First balls were contested and, if lost, second balls won. The midfield three flew into tackles, the full-backs worked tirelessly, the attack made life hard for Slot's backline.
It was a sublime performance - both from those on the pitch and those watching on from the stands - and one that meant the result never truly looked in doubt once Dan Burn powered a header beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
“I’ve never had any doubts about our ability to lift our game but you don’t get many shots at this, you don’t get many shots at a cup final, and today we had to try to take our opportunity," Howe said at full-time. "That’s where the players delivered under pressure so well and so impressively.
“It also proved that we can mix our game against the very, very best. Now the challenge for us is to try to get there more often, as in lifting our game like we did today.”
Pope's save to deny Jones was one of his only real, memorable actions of the game. But the stopper swept up well and collected crosses with confidence.
It was a really bold call by Howe to opt for Pope over Martin Dubravka given his role in ensuring Newcastle reached this stage. Many fans, speaking before the game, were hoping it would be the Slovakian who was given the nod on Sunday.
Nobody is saying that now, however, with Howe's selection decisions all over the pitch paying off when they really needed to.
NUFC win Carabao Cup
We thought you'd like a handy highlights guide to our best coverage of Newcastle United's Carabao Cup win:
'I watched Newcastle win the Carabao Cup with thousands of fans and it won't be long until the next'
'Immortality' - Newcastle United stars etch names into club history and lift Carabao Cup
'I feel numb' - Dan Burn reveals 'strange' feeling as Newcastle United's Wembley hero
Eddie Howe leaves Wembley in tears with sons and shows class with Newcastle United fan tribute
'The noise, the passion, the pride': Newcastle's Carabao Cup win sees thousands celebrate at home and in London