Isak and Burn Fire Newcastle Utd to Cup Glory | OneFootball

Newcastle Secure Historic Victory Over Liverpool

Newcastle United clinched their first major trophy since 1955 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final at Wembley. Eddie Howe’s side delivered a disciplined and determined performance to see off Arne Slot’s men, who struggled to find their rhythm for large periods of the contest.

Photo: IMAGO

Burn’s Opener Sets Newcastle on Their Way

The match began with Newcastle pressing aggressively and making the most of set-piece opportunities. After a cagey start from both sides, the breakthrough came on the stroke of half-time. Kieran Trippier, tasked with delivering numerous set-pieces in the first half, finally found the perfect delivery. His pinpoint inswinging corner was met by Dan Burn, who rose unchallenged to head past a sprawling Caoimhin Kelleher. The centre-back’s towering header gave Newcastle a crucial lead heading into the break, capping off a first half in which they were the more proactive side.

Liverpool, despite controlling possession for significant stretches, lacked penetration in attack. Their only real opportunity came late in added time, but they failed to seriously test Nick Pope in the Newcastle goal. The Magpies, on the other hand, recorded an xG of 0.71 compared to Liverpool’s 0.26, underlining their superior threat in front of goal.

Isak Doubles the Advantage Before Liverpool Fight Back

Eddie Howe’s side continued to threaten after the restart, and their persistence paid off in the 52nd minute. A deep cross from Tino Livramento found Jacob Murphy, who outjumped Andy Robertson to knock the ball into the path of Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward made no mistake, smashing a volley past Kelleher to double Newcastle’s advantage. However, moments earlier, Isak had a goal disallowed after Joelinton was adjudged offside in the build-up. This time, there was no such issue, and Newcastle looked to be in complete control.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool, however, were not willing to surrender without a fight. With time running out, Harvey Elliott made an impact after coming off the bench, pressing Bruno Guimaraes into an error. The young midfielder then played a precise ball into the path of Federico Chiesa, who capitalised on the moment. Chiesa took a touch to evade Dan Burn’s challenge before coolly slotting his finish past Pope. Initially ruled offside, a lengthy VAR check overturned the decision, bringing Liverpool back into contention at 2-1.

Defensive Resilience Seals Newcastle’s Cup Glory

Liverpool threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Newcastle’s backline stood firm. Nick Pope was called into action on multiple occasions, producing a brilliant save to deny Curtis Jones from close range. Guimaraes and Joelinton worked tirelessly in midfield, ensuring Liverpool’s creative outlets were stifled.

Despite the late scare, Newcastle held on to claim a historic victory, ending their 69-year wait for silverware. Howe’s tactical approach, built on resilience and clinical finishing, proved decisive against a Liverpool side that struggled to create clear-cut chances.

For Arne Slot’s men, the result marks a frustrating end to their EFL Cup campaign. Having already exited the Champions League, they must now turn their attention to the league and FA Cup. Newcastle, meanwhile, celebrate a long-awaited triumph, a moment that will live long in the memory of their supporters.