Newcastle United are transformed.
For the first time in 70 years, Newcastle United supporters are waking up knowing their team are champions of a major domestic cup competition.
Indeed, a brilliant Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, claiming an historic and fully deserved victory.
This was no smash-and-grab. Eddie Howe’s team deserved their win and did so in difficult circumstances.
Howe was missing some key players. Lewis Hall won’t play this season after ankle surgery, while Sven Botman requires a knee operation and also missed out.
Then there’s Anthony Gordon.
The winger had to sit out of the final two years ago as he was cup-tied following his move from Everton, while Gordon was suspended against Liverpool due to a silly red card shown during the FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
Harvey Barnes was excellent in his place, however, and Gordon was at least able to join in with the celebrations after the game.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Anthony Gordon posts emotional Newcastle message after Carabao Cup final
The England international was involved in the celebrations after the game, holding the Carabao Cup aloft with his teammates.
Though the red card was stupid, Gordon certainly played his part in the journey. The 24-year-old scored in both legs of the semi-final against Arsenal, while assisting in the quarter-finals against Brentford.
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Incredibly, it didn’t even seem as if Newcastle missed him in the final but his contribution cannot be overlooked.
Gordon posted an emotional 19-word message after the game, declaring that this trophy was simply the first of many.
Who does Anthony Gordon support?
Much was made about the forward’s connection to Newcastle’s opponents on Sunday.
Gordon’s family are Liverpool fans, although that did not appear to matter too much to him considering the jubilant scenes after Newcastle won the cup.
Ironically, Gordon was close to joining Liverpool in the summer of 2024. He, however, ended up staying and signing a new contract before winning the first major honour of his career at senior level.
Next time Newcastle get to a final – and there will be a next time – Gordon will no doubt ensure he’s involved…