Dan Burn and Alexander Isak both scored goals to give Newcastle United their first-ever EFL Cup title as they defeated Liverpool 2-1 in a much-anticipated EFL Cup final.
This victory also ends a 57-year title drought that began in 1968!
A Defensive Masterclass on the Road to Glory
Newcastle gave conceded just one goal in their past five EFL Cup games, demonstrating incredible defensive tenacity throughout the competition.
They held consecutive clean sheets against Arsenal over two legs in the semi-finals, demonstrating their defensive prowess.
After losing to Manchester City in 1976 and Manchester United in 2023, Newcastle had made three appearances in the EFL Cup final. However, this time, the Magpies overcame their curse and won the cup for the first time ever!
Newcastle Outperforms Liverpool, Who Struggle
Newcastle took charge right away against a Liverpool team that was having trouble playing, playing with unity and attacking flair. At pivotal times, their dominance resulted in goals:
In the 45th minute, Newcastle took a 1-0 lead when Kieran Trippier sent in a brilliantly placed corner from the left, and Dan Burn sprang to head the ball into the goal with force.
The lead was doubled to 2-0 in the 52nd minute when Alexander Isak scored with a well-placed right-footed shot after Jacob Murphy won an aerial duel.
Federico Chiesa gave Liverpool a response in the 93rd minute by cutting inside the area and putting a low shot past the goalie. It was too late for a comeback, but VAR verified the goal was legitimate.
When the final whistle blew, Newcastle United raised their first-ever EFL Cup trophy in celebration of a historic moment!
Newcastle Ends Multiple Long-Standing Records
In addition to winning Newcastle some hardware, this historic triumph broke a number of long-standing records, which added to the accomplishment’s significance:
Ending a 57-Year Trophy Drought
Newcastle’s last major trophy came in 1968 when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (now considered a predecessor to the UEFA Europa League).
Now, after 57 long years, they have finally lifted another major trophy, marking a new era of success for the club!
First-Ever EFL Cup Final Victory
Newcastle had previously lost both of their previous EFL Cup finals (in 1976 and 2023 to Manchester City and Manchester United, respectively).
This time, they broke the curse, securing their first-ever EFL Cup title!
Overcoming Liverpool in the First Cup Final
Newcastle had never defeated Liverpool in a domestic cup final; their most recent attempt was lost in the 1974 FA Cup final.
They finally defeated Liverpool in a cup final, getting their long-awaited retribution.
Ending the Losing Run at Wembley Stadium
Newcastle has suffered ten straight losses at Wembley Stadium since 1955, making it a location of great sorrow for the team.
They lifted a trophy at the famous stadium and finally broke the Wembley curse with their victory!
Breaking Liverpool’s 17-Match Winless Run
Newcastle had a 17-match winless streak against Liverpool and hadn’t defeated the Reds in any competition since December 6, 2015.
With this win, Newcastle finally put an end to that streak and defeated one of their fiercest opponents!
Eddie Howe Wins His First Major Trophy as Manager Up to this point in his managerial career, Eddie Howe had never taken home a major trophy.
His first major trophy comes from this EFL Cup victory, solidifying his place among England’s best coaches.
The first manager from England to win a domestic cup since 2008.
No English manager had won a domestic cup since 2008 prior to Eddie Howe’s victory.
Harry Redknapp, who guided Portsmouth to FA Cup triumph in 2008, was the last English coach to accomplish this feat.
Eddie Howe has now restored dignity to native coaching talent, ending a 16-year drought for English managers.
Dan Burn scores in a cup final for the first time since 1976.
Since 1976, no player from Newcastle had scored in a major cup final. That protracted drought was finally broken by Dan Burn’s goal, solidifying his legacy at the club!
