Newcastle United clinched their first major trophy in 70 years, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in a thrilling Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The victory marks Newcastle’s first domestic silverware since winning the FA Cup in 1955, and it was Dan Burn—a lifelong Newcastle fan—who played a starring role.
Just two days after earning his first England call-up at the age of 32, the towering 6ft 7in defender powered home a header to put Eddie Howe’s side ahead before Alexander Isak sealed the win.
Burn’s Dream Moment as Newcastle Dominate
When Saudi investment transformed Newcastle three years ago, Burn was still at Brighton, unsure if he’d ever fulfill his dream of wearing the black-and-white stripes. Now, after a heroic display, he might just have earned himself a statue outside St. James’ Park.
Liverpool, reeling from their midweek Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, looked fatigued and uninspired. And if not for their commanding 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arne Slot’s men might be fearing a full-blown collapse.
Newcastle, who lost this final to Manchester United two years ago and hadn’t won a Wembley final since 1955, capitalized on Liverpool’s sluggishness. Burn’s goal on the stroke of halftime set the stage, and Isak’s clinical finish early in the second half doubled the lead.
A Historic Night for the Toon
Burn, called up by England boss Thomas Tuchel for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, has had a whirlwind few days. The former Asda shelf-stacker has been living his dream since signing for Newcastle in 2022, but this moment—leading his boyhood club to glory—was beyond his wildest fantasies.
Howe’s men executed a perfect game plan, unsettling Liverpool early and overwhelming them either side of the break. With this win, Howe became the first English manager to lift a major domestic trophy in 17 years, following Harry Redknapp’s FA Cup triumph with Portsmouth in 2008.
Toon Army Takes Over Wembley
While Liverpool fans pride themselves on their famous ‘This Means More’ slogan, there was no doubt which set of supporters were more passionate on the day. The Toon Army flooded Covent Garden in the build-up and roared their team on at Wembley.
Before kickoff, the atmosphere was electric—32,000 black-and-white scarves waving in unison. Meanwhile, Liverpool fans remained largely silent until their customary booing of the national anthem.
Newcastle had lost five Wembley finals since their last triumph in 1955, making this victory all the more emotional for their devoted fans.
Newcastle’s Fast Start and Burn’s Big Moment
With Anthony Gordon suspended and Lewis Hall injured, Howe opted for Nick Pope in goal—a decision that proved crucial.
Newcastle started confidently, showing no signs of stage fright. Sandro Tonali fired narrowly wide from an Isak pass, while Ibrahima Konaté denied the Swede a clear chance with a crucial interception.
Liverpool, struggling with fatigue, were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Kieran Trippier appeared to handle the ball in the box. But Newcastle made the most of their let-off.
When Joelinton stopped a Liverpool counterattack with a crunching tackle on Jarell Quansah, the Newcastle fans celebrated as if they had scored. Moments later, they had reason to celebrate for real.
On the stroke of halftime, Trippier delivered a deep corner, and Burn—virtually unmarked—rose high to head the ball into the far corner, sending the black-and-white half of Wembley into raptures.
Isak Doubles the Lead as Liverpool Struggle
Liverpool finally registered a shot before the break, but Diogo Jota dragged his effort wide after being played in by Mo Salah.
Newcastle came out firing in the second half, determined to finish the job. Trippier’s corner was flicked on by Joelinton to Burn, whose shot was pushed out by Caoimhin Kelleher—only for Isak to slot home. However, the flag went up for offside.
It didn’t matter. Just a minute later, Tino Livramento surged down the left and crossed for Jacob Murphy, who won a crucial header. The ball fell to Isak, and this time, there was no doubt as he lashed home from close range.
Liverpool were being overrun, and the Toon Army could sense history in the making. Curtis Jones, fresh off the bench, saw a powerful effort brilliantly saved by Pope.
It should have been 3-0 when Kelleher parried a close-range Isak volley, but Newcastle’s wastefulness nearly cost them.
Late Drama as Liverpool Pull One Back
As the clock ticked down, tension crept in. The weight of 70 years without a major trophy loomed over Newcastle fans.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Federico Chiesa raced through and slotted home for Liverpool. The goal was initially ruled offside, but VAR overturned the decision, setting up a nerve-wracking finale.
Yet Newcastle held firm, and when the final whistle blew, decades of frustration turned into pure jubilation.
Dan Burn was a colossus, leading his side to glory in a manner that will be etched in Newcastle’s history forever. At this rate, don’t be surprised if he’s lifting the World Cup for England in New Jersey next summer.
