LONDON – Newcastle United etched their name in history on Sunday, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley to claim their first domestic honor in seven decades. The victory, sealed with goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, ended a 70-year drought for major silverware, sparking euphoria among the Toon Army and marking a monumental night for Pakistan’s football fans watching from afar.
Under Eddie Howe’s stewardship, Newcastle delivered a masterclass that will echo through Tyneside lore. The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Burn, fresh off an England call-up, towered over Liverpool’s defense to head in a pinpoint corner from Kieran Trippier. The Magpies struck again seven minutes into the second half, with Isak pouncing on Jacob Murphy’s clever knockdown to fire past Alisson, doubling the lead with a clinical finish.
Liverpool, still licking wounds from a midweek Champions League penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain, found Newcastle’s backline impenetrable for much of the match. Despite a late rally—substitute Federico Chiesa slotting home in added time to ignite hope—the Reds couldn’t pierce Howe’s resolute setup. The final whistle unleashed pandemonium, with Newcastle’s long-suffering faithful celebrating their first domestic triumph since the 1955 FA Cup.
Howe, hailed as a transformative force since taking the helm, has now cemented his legacy at St James’ Park. “This is for the fans—they’ve waited too long,” he said post-match, his voice nearly drowned by the roaring Toon Army. The win caps Newcastle’s remarkable resurgence, a testament to strategic signings and Howe’s tactical nous.
For Pakistan’s football community, where Premier League fever runs high, the upset resonated deeply. “Newcastle’s grit mirrors our spirit,” said Karachi supporter Ahmed Khan, one of many glued to the late-night broadcast. After 70 years—last tasting glory in 1969’s Fairs Cup—this victory signals a new dawn for the Magpies.
