Newcastle United’s EFL Cup final delirium meant more March frustration for Arne Slot and Liverpool.
The Magpies fans will party into the night outside Wembley – and back on Tyneside – as they sealed a first major trophy for 70 years.
Eddie Howe’s side suffered heartbreak in this final in 2023, losing to Manchester United, but they exercised the ghost with a dominant performance over Slot’s Premier League leaders.
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Despite heading into the final as favourites to sweep Slot along to his first trophy in English football, Newcastle had other ideas, as Dan Burn headed them in front just before the break.
Talisman Alexander Isak doubled their advantage after the restart, and despite Federico Chiesa’s late goal, it was to be Newcastle’s day in London.
YOUR 2024/25 CARABAO CUP WINNERS 😍 pic.twitter.com/r1DuyuxlSr
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 16, 2025
Defeat in the final comes just days after Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League elimination at the hands of PSG.
Slot’s side are still 12 points clear in the Premier League title race, but Liverpool’s inability to add more trophies is a frustration for the Dutch coach, and he admitted his team played into Newcastle’s hands.
“The game went their way, in the sense that we played the game as they would prefer. There were a lot of free kicks, set pieces and they were really strong on that,” he told Sky Sports at full-time.
“Altogether, Newcastle deserved to win”
Arne Slot reacts after Liverpool lose the Carabao Cup final 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gwx8fh9r5l
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) March 16, 2025
“That led to the first goal from a set piece, and the second goal also came from a cross from the side, they are taller and maybe stronger in the duels.
“If we play the game ten times in that way, they win nine of them.
“We also have to better with the ball, which is not so easy, but in the moments where you have the ball you have to create more, and wait for a bit more space to open up.
“At half-time, we gave them the positive mindset of being 1-0 up, and then they quickly made it 2-0, and they will fight for every ball.
“We did have one or two chances but all together, Newcastle deserved to win. We were outplayed by their style.”
Liverpool are back in action after the international break on April 2 at home to rivals Everton.
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