Newcastle United Ends 70-Year Trophy Drought with League Cup Victory
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle United
Wembley Stadium, March 16, 2025
Newcastle United finally ended their long wait for domestic silverware by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the League Cup final. The triumph marked their first major domestic trophy since 1955, as Eddie Howe’s squad overcame the defending champions in a hard-fought battle at Wembley.
Following the victory, a jubilant Howe praised his players and supporters. “I am so pleased for the players,” he said, drenched in champagne. “The fans have given us great support home and away, and I am so happy for them too.”
Match Breakdown
Newcastle started the game strongly, physically imposing themselves on a Liverpool side that may have been fatigued after playing 120 minutes in the Champions League earlier that week. Despite a lack of clear-cut chances for either team early on, Newcastle took control of the game just before halftime.
In the 45th minute, Newcastle broke the deadlock through a set-piece. Kieran Trippier’s corner to the back post found Dan Burn, who powered a header into the net. Burn’s goal was particularly special as he had received his first England call-up just two days prior.
After the game, Howe highlighted the importance of the set-piece routine. “We have been working on those corners tirelessly for two weeks with mixed success in training, and he’s delivered one. Dan had so much to do from that distance. It’s so befitting that it was him.”
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, was also impressed by Burn’s goal, stating, “I have never seen someone head a ball from such a distance into the goal.”
Second Half Drama
Shortly after halftime, Newcastle thought they had doubled their lead when Alexander Isak found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, just two minutes later, Isak got his redemption.
Tino Livramento combined with Harvey Barnes down the left flank before delivering a cross to the back post. Jacob Murphy headed the ball back across the goal, where Isak struck a powerful shot into the net from 12 yards out, extending Newcastle’s lead to 2-0.
As the game progressed, Liverpool made changes in an attempt to turn the match around. Substitute Curtis Jones nearly made an instant impact in the 58th minute, but his shot from the edge of the box was tipped over by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Another substitute, Federico Chiesa, finally pulled a goal back for Liverpool in injury time after receiving a well-placed through ball from Harvey Elliott. However, it was too little, too late, as Newcastle held on to secure the trophy.
Post-Match Reactions
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged Newcastle’s physical dominance. “The game went exactly how they wanted it to,” he admitted. “It was a fight with a lot of duels. We would lose nine out of 10 games like this against them as they are very strong.”
Eddie Howe, in contrast, was in a celebratory mood, emphasizing the significance of the victory. “I will be encouraging a huge celebration with our supporters and everyone that has waited so long for this. This was a victory for everyone and for the city.”
Newcastle United’s League Cup triumph ended a 70-year wait for domestic silverware and will be remembered as a historic moment for the club and its supporters.