Tears streamed down faces, ecstasy knew no bounds, and the noise inside Wembley reached deafening levels as Newcastle United finally laid to rest 56 years of heartbreak at the stadium—along with a 70-year wait for a major trophy.
Eddie Howe’s side achieved what many deemed unthinkable. Not against this relentless Liverpool machine under the guidance of Arne Slot—it simply couldn’t happen, it shouldn’t happen. And yet, it did. The Magpies are the 2025 Carabao Cup champions, lifting a top-flight trophy for the first time since their FA Cup triumph in 1955.
Wembley could barely contain the unfiltered joy and raw emotion pouring from the Tyneside faithful as referee John Brooks blew the final whistle. And who could blame them? This was more than just a victory—it was a statement. Newcastle executed their game plan to perfection, embodying the rallying cry from their ultras before the match: “Get into them.” And they did— with precision, flair, and an unshakable will to win. How could anyone not join in the celebrations? How could anyone not revel in a triumph that silenced rival fans who had long used Newcastle’s trophy drought as a punchline?
Eddie Howe and his men in black and white have etched their names into club folklore. The win carried the stamp of their marquee striker, Alexander Isak, who sealed the victory after boyhood Newcastle fan Dan Burn opened the scoring in the first half.
Liverpool attempted a late resurgence, pulling one back through Federico Chiesa in the 94th minute, but it was nothing more than the final gasp of a beaten side.
But beyond the celebrations, what does this triumph mean for Howe and his squad? What impact does it have on the ambitious project backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund?
In this piece, we take a deeper dive into the symbolic significance of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup success.
Ending 70-year Trophy Drought
Newcastle’s victory over league-leaders Liverpool effectively erases the long-standing stigma of being the Premier League’s biggest club without a major title. Seventy years is an agonizingly long wait, and while the Magpies did lift the now-defunct Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 by defeating Hungarian side Újpest Dózsa, fans have always viewed the 1955 FA Cup triumph over Manchester City as their last true piece of silverware.
No other major club in world football has endured such an extended trophy drought. In that time, Newcastle suffered heartbreak in five major finals (most recently against Manchester United just two years ago) and twice finished as Premier League runners-up (1995/96 & 1996/97), only to fall short each time. Now, at long last, the curse has been broken.
A Statement of Ambition
Since the Saudi-led takeover in 2021, Newcastle United have been on a mission to establish themselves among England’s elite and make a mark in European football. The club’s return to the UEFA Champions League for the 2023/24 season and a Carabao Cup final appearance a season before were significant milestones and testimonies to the project.
However, winning the Carabao Cup now proves to be a true statement of intent—proof that Newcastle can compete (and win) at the very top.
Beyond ending their long-awaited trophy drought, this triumph also comes in the wake of a massive transfer outlay. The Magpies have invested heavily in their squad, bringing in key players such as Kieran Trippier, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Alexander Isak. Since the Public Investment Fund (PIF) takeover in 2021, Newcastle have spent an estimated £508.3 million on football transfers! Their investment is slowly and visibly starting to yield fruit.
European Qualification
Winning the Carabao Cup also secures Newcastle a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League, providing valuable European experience for the club’s long-term project. While fans may have preferred the iconic UEFA Champions League anthem ringing through the speakers at St. James’ Park, this opportunity shouldn’t be overlooked with the race for Europe being as competitive as ever- five points separate 4th and 10th with just 9 games to go!
The tournament offers Newcastle a chance to adapt to the demands of an increasingly packed schedule while presenting another realistic shot at silverware. Additionally, European competition—regardless of the level—enhances the club’s appeal to potential signings and further strengthens its reputation on the continental stage. The Magpies are currently 6th, just 2 points behind 4th place Chelsea (who have played a game more). Champions League qualification is still the primary and attainable target, but there is now an air of comfort knowing that regardless of how the run-in pans out, Newcastle will be playing in Europe next season.
A Shot at Keeping their Best Players
Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães have been at the center of speculation regarding potential exits from Eddie Howe’s squad this season. The Swedish striker, who arrived from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63 million in August 2022, and Guimarães, who joined six months earlier from Lyon for around £40 million, have arguably been the best performers since the takeover and unsurprisingly both have been repeatedly linked with moves to top clubs within and beyond the Premier League.
However, Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph, combined with the financial backing of the Saudi-led ownership, strengthens the club’s position in retaining its star players. As the project at St. James’ Park gains momentum, Isak and Guimarães are expected to remain key figures in Newcastle’s future.
Denying Liverpool of a Domestic Double
The once-unbreakable Liverpool side was made to look surprisingly ordinary and vulnerable, thanks to Newcastle’s masterfully executed tactics from the dugout.
The Magpies’ grip on the final was so firm that Liverpool failed to register a single attempt on goal until the 44th minute, when Diogo Jota finally tested Newcastle’s defense. Liverpool’s talisman Mohammed Salah was completely shut out- failing to create a single chance or register a shot on goal throughout the match. The high press and the tireless performance from midfield trio of Tonali, Joelinton and captain Bruno Guimarães rallied Howe’s side to victory.
The defeat came just five days after Liverpool were pushed by a brilliant Paris Saint-Germain side to extra time in their UEFA Champions League clash (losing in the penalty shoot-out)—a grueling battle that seemed to take its toll.
Meanwhile, Newcastle stepped onto the Wembley pitch carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire city—and delivered.
Liverpool had been tipped as treble contenders merely a week ago, but now, with the Champions League heartbreak and the Carabao Cup slipping through their fingers, their focus shifts solely to the Premier League title race, where they currently enjoy a comfortable 12 point lead over Arsenal.
That said, barring a monumental collapse, Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield will still be considered a success. But credit where it’s due—Newcastle’s triumph was nothing short of a tactical masterclass in dismantling Slot’s high-flying machine.
Vindication for Eddie Howe
With Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph, Eddie Howe became the first English manager to win a major domestic trophy since Harry Redknapp led Portsmouth to FA Cup glory in 2008. He also became the first English coach to lift the Carabao Cup since Steve McClaren’s success with Middlesbrough in 2004.
More importantly, Newcastle looked like a team that had evolved from their heartbreak against Manchester United in the final two years ago. The 47-year-old manager has undeniably strengthened his case for greater respect and recognition among English managers. Howe’s job was reportedly under threat just earlier in the season, but a spark turnaround in form, as well as silverware for the club provides the ultimate vindication.This triumph serves as a testament to his tactical acumen and the growing influence of homegrown coaches in the modern game.
