Newcastle United beat Liverpool 2-1 in the EFL Cup final at the Wembley Stadium to win their first trophy in 70 years.
Dan Burn and Alexander Isak scored for the Magpies to give them a 2-0 lead before Federico Chiesa reduced the deficit for the Reds in the dying minutes of the match.
It was a proud moment for Eddie Howe’s men, who will now try to finish inside the top four in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, for Liverpool, it is only the Premier League title that is still left there to win.
It was a delight for the neutral football fans to see Newcastle win a trophy after so many years.
Newcastle Victorious Despite Anthony Gordon’s Absence
Anthony Gordon is a key player for Newcastle but missed out on the final. The Magpies, however, took that in their stride and came up with a commanding performance against Arne Slot’s men, especially in the first half.
Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy had a fine game on the flanks against a Liverpool side which had their full-backs staying deep for the most part.
Despite playing off a low block mostly in the first half, the Reds struggled to deal with Livramento and Murphy, especially the latter.
Burn scored with a header from one of the multiple corners Eddie Howe’s men earned before the break.
Liverpool, meanwhile, primarily relied on playing long balls to Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz on the flanks initially.
Kieran Trippier, the Newcastle right-back who loves going forward, stayed back more often as the match progressed in order to help the centre-backs deal with Diaz’s runs from the long balls delivered to him.
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A Dull Display from Liverpool
Liverpool’s three-man midfield of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch did little to gain supremacy in the middle of the park.
Gravenberch spent a considerable part of his energy helping Jarell Quansah, who started as a right-back for the Reds.
Liverpool often lacked a midfielder who could carry the ball into the final third through the middle.
Liverpool threw in Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Chiesa as substitutes in the second half and the latter also managed to score. However, it was too little too late.
Almost inexplicably for the Reds, Salah had yet another forgettable outing after he had failed to impress in the Reds’ defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League a few days ago.
Salah, who is in the running for the Ballon d’Or because of his wonderful performance throughout the season, will surely be disappointed because of his inability to rise to the occasion for the second successive time.
All Eyes on the Premier League Title for Liverpool
The Reds will take on Everton, Fulham and West Ham United in their first three matches next month.
The Reds will try to win each of them to extend their current 12-point lead over the second-placed Arsenal.
The sooner they put the matter beyond any kind of doubt, the better for them.
Now that there is no Champions League football to worry about, Liverpool can invest all their energy into the Premier League.
It is almost certain that they will be able to win their 20th league title in a two months time. Now, Slot’s men will have to put mind over matter.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 16.03.2025