Liverpool vs Newcastle EFL Cup Report

Scorers: Chiesa 90+7’; Burn 45’, Isak 52’

Newcastle United ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

The historic victory secured the Magpies’ first-ever EFL Cup title and marked their first piece of silverware since 1955, while Liverpool suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.

Newcastle Dominate First Half as Liverpool Struggle

Ahead of the final, Eddie Howe referenced lessons learned from Newcastle’s cup final defeat two years ago, and his side started on the front foot.

Harvey Barnes failed to direct his shot on target from Jacob Murphy’s cross, while Murphy and Sandro Tonali also tested Liverpool’s defensive resolve but couldn’t trouble Caoimhín Kelleher.

Despite Liverpool enjoying spells of possession, the Reds lacked attacking creativity, struggling to recover from their draining midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle continued to apply pressure, with Dan Burn winning an aerial duel from a corner before Bruno Guimarães was denied in a one-on-one by the alert Kelleher.

Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson then made two crucial blocks in quick succession, stopping an Alexander Isak header and a Kieran Trippier strike, before Kelleher held onto Guimarães’ flicked header from another dangerous corner.

However, Newcastle finally made the breakthrough just before half-time. Once again, Burn rose highest from a corner, but this time, he directed a powerful header inside the far post, sending Newcastle’s black-and-white half of Wembley into rapturous celebrations.

Isak Doubles Newcastle’s Lead After VAR Denial

Newcastle thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half, as another set-piece wreaked havoc in Liverpool’s box, leading to Isak finding the net—only for VAR to rule the goal out due to Guimarães being offside.

However, Isak wasn’t to be denied for long. Moments later, Tino Livramento’s cross was nodded down by Murphy, and the Swedish striker calmly dispatched a first-time finish to give Newcastle a deserved two-goal cushion.

Liverpool Push Back But Newcastle Hold Firm

In response, Arne Slot introduced Curtis Jones, who almost made an instant impact with a venomous shot that Nick Pope tipped behind.

Kelleher then denied Isak’s acrobatic effort, Murphy placed a shot just wide, and Tonali forced another save as Newcastle refused to let up, even as Slot made further attacking changes.

With eight minutes of added time announced, Newcastle’s fans grew anxious, and their nerves worsened when Harvey Elliott played in Federico Chiesa, who slotted home to halve the deficit.

As the clock ticked past 100 minutes, Liverpool pushed for a dramatic equaliser, but Newcastle’s defence held firm to secure their place in history.

Newcastle End Their Trophy Drought, Liverpool Fall Short

Eddie Howe’s men etched their names into Newcastle folklore, securing the club’s first major domestic trophy since 1955. The triumph also brought their first-ever EFL Cup title, marking a defining moment for the club’s resurgence.

For Liverpool, the timing of this defeat couldn’t be worse. The Reds have now suffered consecutive losses for the first time this season, missing out on adding to their record 10 EFL Cup triumphs.

With crucial league and European fixtures ahead, Slot’s men must regroup quickly as their pursuit of silverware continues.