Burn and Isak’s Goals Propel Newcastle to League Cup Triumph Over Liverpool

Newcastle United finally ended their long-standing hoodoo against Liverpool, defeating the Reds 2-1 in the League Cup final and claiming their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

Before the match, Eddie Howe acknowledged that lessons had been learned from the Magpies’ previous final two years ago. His tactical changes appeared effective as his team started strongly, although Harvey Barnes was unable to convert Jacob Murphy’s cross into a goal.

Both Murphy and Sandro Tonali failed to trouble goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher with their attempts. Meanwhile, Liverpool, coming off a taxing loss to Paris Saint-Germain, struggled to make a significant impact despite having a fair share of possession.

Newcastle maintained their aggressive approach, and Kelleher was called into action, rushing to thwart Bruno Guimaraes after Dan Burn had flicked on from a corner.

Andrew Robertson made two crucial blocks in quick succession, preventing an Alexander Isak header and a strike from Kieran Trippier just before Kelleher caught Guimaraes’ flicked header following Burn’s initial contact from yet another corner.

Burn soared to meet a corner kick once more just before the half-time whistle, and this time the local lad scored, guiding a magnificent header inside the far post, igniting ecstatic celebrations among the Newcastle supporters at Wembley Stadium.

A mix-up from a corner shortly after the break saw Isak’s goal disallowed for offside against Guimaraes.

Unfazed, Newcastle’s star struck shortly after as Tino Livramento’s cross was deftly headed down by Murphy, setting up Isak to finish expertly with a first-time strike.

In response, Arne Slot made two substitutions, including bringing on Curtis Jones, who unleashed a powerful shot that was adeptly tipped behind by Nick Pope just minutes later.

Kelleher then denied Isak’s inventive attempt, while Murphy narrowly missed with his shot and Tonali’s effort was saved as the relentless Magpies continued to pour on the pressure, even as Slot made further attacking changes.

With eight minutes added time announced, tension mounted among Newcastle fans, and their anxiety intensified when Harvey Elliott found Federico Chiesa, who managed to score.

Despite the late drama and the game stretching into over 100 minutes, Newcastle held their nerve, with Howe and his squad etching their names into the club’s history by ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, while also claiming their inaugural League Cup title.

Conversely, Liverpool now face back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, a disappointing turn of events that denies them the opportunity to add to their tally of 10 victories in this competition.