Newcastle’s long wait for a trophy came to an end on Sunday in the League Cup final. The Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 thanks to a goal just before and just after half-time.
Down to two: After being knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday (1-4 (a.e.e.) against Paris Saint-Germain), Arne Slot only had two chances to win titles in his debut season as Liverpool coach. He seized his first just five days later.
But unlike against PSG, when his team had lit fireworks in the early stages, Liverpool found themselves under pressure from Magpies at the start. Cup goalkeeper Kelleher, who, like Quansah, was in the starting lineup (Alisson was on the bench and Alexander-Arnold was injured), did not have to intervene. However, it was clear from the opening minutes how determined Newcastle were to win their first domestic title since 1955.
Burn takes advantage of its size
The midfield line typified this. Joelinton, Bruno Guiamares and Tonali dominated the LFC trio in the center of the pitch with robust tackling, among other things. Although this resulted in little goal danger from the game, Eddie Howe’s team recognized a mismatch in set pieces. The 174-centimeter-tall Mac Allister was assigned to the 201-centimeter-tall Burn.
The Magpies used their height advantage to good effect, converting three of their five corners in the first half. After Burn had passed the ball on the first two attempts, he tried it himself just before half-time – and was promptly successful. He headed the ball in from around eleven meters (45′).
Only one of Isak’s shots counts
The second half began as the first ended, with Newcastle scoring from a corner. This time Isak appeared to successfully tap in after Joelinton and Burn had played the ball in a certain way. However, Bruno Guimaraes was in Kelleher’s view and therefore actively offside, so the goal did not count (51”). The Swede’s celebration was only delayed by a minute, however, as the forward put Murpy’s cross in the left corner (52).
Slot reacted immediately to the 0-2 with a double change, bringing in, among others, central defender Konaté for Jones (57), who immediately tested Pope (60). The LFC coach not only made personnel changes, but also tactical ones. The Reds took a risk. This almost paid off soon after when Isak forced Kelleher to intervene (64). His counterpart Pope, on the other hand, was hardly challenged despite the large number of offensive players that Slot brought on during the second half.
First trophy since the League Cup
Liverpool simply lacked the firepower. It was not until the fourth minute of stoppage time that substitute Chiesa pulled one back (90.+4) and ensured a thrilling period of added time. With the support of their vociferous fans, Newcastle saw out the added time unscathed to celebrate their first title since 1969. Back then, the club from the north-east of England won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the predecessor of the UEFA Cup and the Europa League.
After the international break, both will continue as follows. Liverpool will next face Everton in the Merseyside derby at home on April 2 (Wednesday) at 9pm. Newcastle will face Brentford 15 minutes earlier at St James’ Park.
