Newcastle have defeated Liverpool 2-1 and claimed their first-ever League Cup at Wembley Stadium.
It was a cagey first half, devoid of many chances and opportunities as the two sides got to grips with each other. The brightest spark was that of Newcastle's Dan Byrne who proved an ever-present threat to Caoimhin Kelleher in the opening 45.
He was duly rewarded for his aerial prowess when he delivered a bullet header seconds before the break to put Newcastle ahead.
Despite a slight uplift in Liverpool upon their re-emergence from the tunnel, it was the Geordies who struck again, with an Alexander Isak screamer doubling their lead as the hour mark approached.
"Now they're BELIEVING!" 🎙️
Alexander Isak doubles the Newcastle lead at Wembley 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sUlyVIX5Ul
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
Two goals to the worse with time their enemy, Liverpool's defence was being torn asunder and their hopes hanging on the gloves of Caoimhin Kelleher.
While Liverpool eventually got on the scoresheet in the 93rd minute through Federico Chiesa forcing a tense ending to the encounter, it was too little, too late for Arne Slot's men who struggled to raise a galop on Sunday.
Federico Chiesa pulls one back for Liverpool! 🔴
Can they find another? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zhLDhViOd2
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
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Shay Given ponders whether Eddie Howe should get statue at St. James' Park
Appearing on Sky Sports after his former club won the cup, Donegal native and Irish hero Shay Given was in flying form.
When the final whistle blew after the nervy end in Wembley, Sky went straight to Given who has the third most appearances in Newcastle's history and he could barely hide his emotions, telling viewers just how much the performance meant to them.
I was going through the ringer over there, my heart was racing out of my chest.
What a day, I mean seventy years it's just unbelievable. I was getting emotional myself just seeing the faces of the fans and the players and the celebrations, it's all bottled up in this one moment.
We've waited so long for this trophy, for any trophy it's just a special special moment.
Describing Eddie Howe's class in victory, Given was particularly impressed by Howe's immediate decision to console the opposition as his team celebrated.
Such was Given's excitement on the whistle, that the former goalkeeper was left pondering whether Howe deserved a statue alongside Bobby Robson at the club's home ground.
Just shows the class of the man himself, first major trophy for him as a manager and he's thinking about the opposition because he's been there a couple of years ago, he's been on the losing side, he knows how it feels. Take nothing away from his celebrations now, there's a statue at St. James Park of Bobby Robson, maybe they'll start one for Eddie Howe he's done such an amazing job.
He's united the city, he's united the club, hopefully its the first (trophy) of many.
"He's united the city, he's united the club"
Shay Given thinks a statue awaits Eddie Howe at St James' Park 👑 pic.twitter.com/ZJc8ls9BoX
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
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