Isaac Hayden called Joelinton 'the best player on the park' in Newcastle United's historic 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. A Magpies masterclass saw them take home a domestic trophy to their deserved fanbase for the first time in 70 years.
Eddie Howe's men were well worth their victory, courtesy of Dan Burn's bullet header (45') and Alexander Isak's superb strike (52'). Federico Chiesa had given them a scare late on (90+4'), but black and white ribbons were attached to the League Cup on a glorious day for the Tyneside giants.
The midfield battle was a massive reason behind Newcastle's win; they had control in the middle of the park. Bruno Guimaraes was exemplary with his playmaking abilities on display, while Sandro Tonali, whose fans' 'Ole Ole Ole' chant was heard throughout the streets of London, helped keep things neat and tidy. But Joelinton was the Magpies' workhorse, putting in a Herculean display to help his side claim the trophy.
Hayden: Joelinton 'Had Everything' in Carabao Cup Final Triumph
Newcastle midfielder's transformation has been remarkable under Eddie Howe
Joelinton came into Sunday's final having been in the Newcastle side that suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup two seasons ago. He was one of the Magpies' better performers on that day and was in the midst of a rebirth under Howe in a midfield role, dropping back from a centre-forward profile.
The 28-year-old has now fully adapted to midfield, and fans have difficulty remembering how difficult his start was at St James' Park. His display against Liverpool was one that ex-teammate Hayden, on loan at Portsmouth, highlighted as a massive influence on the cup win while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:
"What a performance from the side. I mean, every single player to a man was unbelievable, on top of their game. But, you know, special mention to Joelinton. I thought today he was the best player on the park. He had everything. He had pace going forward, he was winning the second balls. He was defensively solid."
Joelinton was dominant on the floor and in the air, winning seven of nine ground duels and two of four aerial duels. He made three tackles and two clearances and was everywhere, ensuring he put out fires and helped Newcastle break forward in transition.
Joelinton vs Liverpool (Carabao Cup final)
Minutes Played
Touches
Accurate Passes
Long Balls
Shots Off Target
Ground Duels (Won)
Aerial Duels (Won)
Clearances
Blocked Shots
Interceptions
Total Tackles
The Brazilian said it was 'an honour' to give the Geordies 'something back', perhaps reflecting on their support during the difficult periods of his early days on Tyneside. He's become a hero whose performance at Wembley epitomized his growth into one of Howe's most important men.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 17/03/2025.
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