Relentless Newcastle stifle low-tempo Reds in memorable Carabao Cup Final

“At last, at long, long last Newcastle are winners. The Geordie nation has its hands on a trophy. Eddie Howe can walk on the River Tyne. They’ve painted Wembley black and white.” - Peter Drury

Peter Drury was not being melodramatic in the slightest. After 70 years of heartbreak, loss and pain the “Toon army” finally brought a trophy home in front of a relieved Newcastle crowd.

This was a game which had Geordie fans of all ages in tears. It was safe to say the whole of Newcastle partied non-stop through the night following an unexpected victory over Liverpool, claiming their first trophy in decades.

Liverpool in dire need for improvement?

Beneath the immense success of dominating the Premier League, to a point where they go into the latter stages of the season with a comfortable advantage over any neighbouring teams, the question asked now is what next for Arne Slot and his side?

Exiting the Champions League earlier this week to PSG and now losing a cup final against clear underdogs, it could be argued that his coaching may be less effective than first thought.

Relentless Newcastle stifle low-tempo Reds

Unable to cope with Newcastle’s relentless attacking nature the tempo was completely off beat from ‘The Reds’ as they looked like a shadow of their former selves. Lacking in multiple departments (most noticeably a poor level of work rate) they receive heavy criticism online from their supporters.

Could this be the game that makes Salah’s mind up on his impending contract renewal? If he does leave, will Liverpool have the firepower next season to maintain their level?

A half time spectacle

Besides the already boisterous atmosphere, Newcastle looked a lot more composed in this contest in comparison to their previous final against Manchester United where they lost 2-0.

Inside 45 minutes, Newcastle controlled and had most of the possession creating chances in abundance with the fans cheering them on; being the 12th man they so desperately needed them to be.

As the half time whistle beckoned Newcastle won another corner and once again Dan Burn was marked by Alexis MacAllister.

Bruno Guimaraes clipped an out-swinging ball high towards the back post where the ball was met solidly by Burn. His powerful header nestled into the bottom left corner of the net, blowing the metaphorical roof off Wembley and giving his team the all important lead.

The second half started the way the first half began as Newcastle continued to outwork Liverpool and dictate the flow of the game having there way against a Liverpool team that had already seemed to have given up in the face of defeat.

A goal that dared the Toon Army to dream

You would think that surely after one goal Newcastle would sit back, but no. Instead they kept pushing, trying to find a second. And by the 52nd minute that possibility became apparent when Alexander Isak peeled away from Virgil van Dijk allowing himself a little bit of space to get on the end of a Jacob Murphy headed assist and open his body up before finding the bottom left corner.

Once the second goal went in, ‘Toon’ heroes, Ant, Dec and Alan Shearer were shown celebrating on the big screen, fuelling the Newcastle fans flames.

A Chiesa lifeline

Liverpool, on the brink of defeat, needed to find a response from somewhere. They found it in the form of substitute Federico Chiesa. After a clever run through the middle of the defence, the Italian found himself one and one with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, and with ease slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.

In summary the players that stood out to me would of course firstly be Dan Burn who not only got the breakthrough goal but also set the tone for Newcastle’s play and lead the team with a dominant performance.

Moreover, the midfield trio of Newcastle was excellent and were the glue between defence and attack during the full match. I was also impressed by Tino Livramento who played out of his usual position yet shone with his desire to win the ball and his handling of Mohammed Salah was fantastic.

And on a final note, I thought Eddie Howe orchestrated his team beautifully and really out strategized Slot. Sadly for Liverpool the only real performance I could highlight would have to be Chiesa as he made a telling difference when he came on.

My MOTM: Dan Burn