Newcastle United made history on Sunday, March 16, 2025, by defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to claim their first major domestic trophy since 1955, triumphantly ending a 70-year silverware drought. The Magpies' victory was marked not only by the jubilation of their fans but also by standout performances, particularly from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, who contributed significantly to this monumental achievement.
Dan Burn opened the scoring right on the stroke of half-time, heading home from five corners aimed directly at him during the first half. His towering presence at 6ft 7in proved to be instrumental, as he exploited Liverpool's difficulties defending set pieces. Alan Shearer praised Burn, labeling him as 'a beast' for his commanding performance throughout the match, stating, "Joelinton, oh my God. Oh wow. Beast of a performance." His aerial prowess was evident as Liverpool struggled to contain him.
The game's physical dynamics shifted heavily with Newcastle dominating the midfield battle. Magpies' trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton showcased their teamwork against Liverpool's midfield, which included the likes of World Cup champion Alexis Mac Allister and his teammates. Joelinton emerged as the key player, reflecting on his experience with passion and pride after the match. "It's an unbelievable feeling, an unbelievable day. I dreamed so much of this feeling and this day," he said, emphasizing the significance of the victory.
Newcastle doubled their lead eight minutes after half-time with Isak's stunning half-volley, sending the dedicated Newcastle supporters—who had made the trek down from the northeast—into wild celebrations. Despite Liverpool's frantic attempts, which included Federico Chiesa scoring late during injury time to set up a tense finish, they could not overcome the momentum the Magpies had built.
This victory is monumental for Newcastle, as it marks not only their first major silverware since the Fair Cup win in 1969 but also cements their resurgence following years of near misses. After losing five finals at Wembley over the decades, including one to Liverpool back in the 1974 FA Cup, the Magpies can finally celebrate success again. The atmosphere during the match reflected this buildup, with Newcastle fans passionately singing and cheering, creating what some described as electric support throughout the contest.
The significance of this victory is echoed by club representatives and players who recognize the weight of the history behind it. Eddie Howe, managing the team for this pivotal match, urged his players not to dwell on past setbacks but to create their own legacy. He stated, "Destiny is in our own hands. I’m not even going to use the word [curse] you mentioned; it’s about us delivering a great performance if we can.”
Reflecting on the match tactics, it was clear Newcastle had prepared intensively for Liverpool’s high-tempo play style. They utilized their physicality to their advantage and kept Liverpool's renowned attackers under pressure, particularly targeting weaknesses highlighted by past encounters. With Dan Burn aggressively marking Liverpool’s key players like Mohamed Salah, Newcastle managed to stifle much of their opposition's build-up play.
This Carabao Cup win could serve as the springboard Newcastle needs as they push for more success this season. It showcases their progress under Howe and aligns with the ambitions of the club to return to the pinnacle of English football. Shearer acknowledged Newcastle's midfield prowess, saying, “I just thought Newcastle, Tonali, Guimarães, and Joelinton bossed the midfield.” This assertion was validated on the field, where they dominated the influential areas and exerted control throughout the match.
The celebration following the match was one of carefree jubilation intertwined with relief and pride for the fans who have waited so long for this victory. Newcastle's supporters packed Wembley, turning it almost entirely black and white, singing and cheering as history was made. This occasion marked the emergence of Newcastle as not just contenders but as serious challengers for major honors moving forward.
Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Dan Burn also joined the England national squad later on March 17, following successful individual club performances, hinting at their potential inclusion for upcoming matches against Albania and Latvia. Burn’s late appearance to the England team only added to the excitement surrounding Newcastle's resurgence and their potential impact on the international stage.
The joy surrounding this win, coupled with the promise shown by young talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly, who said he was 'buzzing' about being called up to the England squad after playing his part for Arsenal, strengthens the narrative of new beginnings for Newcastle and English football as a whole.
