Newcastle Shocks Liverpool to Claim League Cup, Ending 56-Year Trophy Drought

Newcastle United stuns Liverpool in a thrilling League Cup final, securing their first major trophy in 56 years. A historic night for the Magpies!

Newcastle dramatically ended their 56-year trophy drought with a thrilling victory, as Dan Burn and Alexander Isak secured a 2-1 win over Liverpool in Sunday’s League Cup final.

Eddie Howe’s team made history at Wembley with an outstanding performance that left the dominant Premier League leaders stunned.

Burn gave Newcastle the lead late in the first half, and Isak’s 27th goal across all competitions extended their advantage after halftime.

In the final seconds, Federico Chiesa scored a goal, but Newcastle secured their first major trophy since winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

The earlier success in what is now known as the Europa League belongs to a past era, but this eagerly anticipated victory will remain unforgettable for Newcastle fans. They transformed one side of Wembley into a lively sea of black and white with their joyful celebrations.

This victory marked Newcastle’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years, dating back to the FA Cup win in 1955.

Since the Magpies won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, 30 different English teams have secured silverware, and Liverpool has claimed 38 major trophies during that period.

However, after their loss to Manchester United in the 2023 League Cup final, Howe’s team made a triumphant return to Wembley and finally set the record straight.

Since their last trophy, Newcastle has experienced five relegations to the second tier. Even club legends such as Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne, and Malcolm MacDonald were unable to secure any silverware during their tenure on Tyneside.

Except for a short period in the 1990s when Kevin Keegan’s self-proclaimed “entertainers” contended for the title, Newcastle has experienced decades of underachievement and self-inflicted setbacks that have often made them a source of ridicule.

This all transformed in 2021 when a consortium supported by Saudi interests finalized the acquisition from the unpopular owner Mike Ashley and promptly appointed Howe as their manager.

Under Howe’s astute leadership and with financial backing from Saudi sources, Newcastle has been transformed from relegation candidates to winners of silverware.

The loss dealt another painful blow to Liverpool, coming just days after their Champions League Round of 16 exit on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite not securing their first trophy under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool remains 12 points ahead at the top of the Premier League, on the verge of achieving a record-equaling 20th English title.

Liverpool are 23 points ahead of Newcastle, who currently sit in sixth place in the league. Additionally, Liverpool have remained unbeaten by Newcastle for their last 17 encounters since 2015.

However, Howe’s men were not inclined to be discouraged by previous setbacks.

Before kick-off, Newcastle fans revealed a banner encouraging their team to “make their mark in history.”

They embraced the challenge remarkably, quickly engaging in tackles and executing purposeful counter-attacks. In contrast, Liverpool appeared sluggish and careless with their possession.

Bruno Guimaraes had a prime chance to capitalize on Newcastle’s energetic opening when Burn directed Kieran Trippier’s corner towards the Brazilian midfielder. However, from close range, he headed the ball straight at Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Newcastle’s determination and energy were evident when Joelinton sprinted back from midfield to halt Jarell Quansah, celebrating his effort with a fist-pumping cheer.

Although Liverpool almost got caught by Burn’s aerial skills once before, they ignored the warning. As a result, the towering center-back gave Newcastle the lead in the 45th minute.

Strangely unmarked, with only the small Alex Mac Allister nearby, Burn was able to easily rise and connect with Trippier’s corner kick. He powered a strong header into the far corner from 12 yards out without any challenge.

Burn’s goal—Newcastle’s first in a cup final since 1976—crowned an amazing week for the journeyman center-back, who earned his initial England call-up on Friday.

With Liverpool’s key player Mohamed Salah barely making an impact, the sluggish Reds struggled to respond as Isak propelled Newcastle into a blissful state after 52 minutes.

Jacob Murphy connected with Tino Livramento’s cross, directing a header toward Isak. Without hesitation, Isak delivered an outstanding first-time shot from 10 yards out, sending the ball past Kelleher.

Chiesa’s stoppage-time goal created a tense ending, but patience pays off in the end.

Throughout Wembley, Newcastle players and fans celebrated passionately as a celebration over fifty years in the making reached its peak.