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Introduction
The Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on March 17, 2025, will be remembered as a day of triumph for Newcastle United and heartbreak for Liverpool. In a match filled with drama, tension, and moments of brilliance, Eddie Howe’s side emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, lifting the coveted trophy in front of a roaring crowd of 88,513 fans. For Liverpool, it was a tale of missed opportunities and defensive lapses, as they fell short in their quest for silverware under manager Arne Slot.
Team News: Slot’s Selection Dilemma
Arne Slot made two changes to the Liverpool side that faced Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. With Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined due to injury, young Jarell Quansah was handed the responsibility at right-back. Caoimhin Kelleher, a reliable presence in cup competitions, started in goal ahead of Alisson Becker.
The Reds lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté anchoring the defense. The midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch aimed to control the tempo, while the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Diogo Jota looked to provide the cutting edge.
Newcastle, meanwhile, fielded a strong XI, with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak among the key figures who would go on to play pivotal roles in the match.
First Half: Newcastle’s Early Dominance
The opening 10 minutes set the tone for the match, with Newcastle looking the more dangerous side. Harvey Barnes, operating on the left flank, caused problems for Liverpool’s defense early on. His first opportunity came from a Jacob Murphy cross, but his half-volley sailed wide. Moments later, Barnes broke into the box following a clever free-kick routine, only for his cross to be cleared by a vigilant Liverpool defense.
Despite Newcastle’s early threats, Liverpool began to grow into the game, dominating possession. However, their build-up play lacked the incisiveness needed to break down a resolute Newcastle backline. Sandro Tonali tested Kelleher with a low shot from distance, while Murphy’s dangerous cross into the six-yard box was nervously cleared by Konaté over his own crossbar.
The breakthrough came just before halftime. Kieran Trippier’s perfectly floated corner found Dan Burn, who rose highest to power a header into the bottom corner. It was a deserved lead for Newcastle, who had been the better side in the first half.
Liverpool had a chance to respond in added time when Salah and Díaz combined to set up Jota, but the Portuguese forward’s volley flew wide, leaving the Reds trailing at the break.
Second Half: Isak Seals the Deal
Liverpool started the second half with intent, looking to level the score. However, it was Newcastle who struck again to take control of the game. In the 52nd minute, Alexander Isak found the back of the net with a clinical finish. Tino Livramento’s deep cross was knocked down by Murphy, and Isak made no mistake, drilling a low shot past Kelleher to double Newcastle’s lead.
Arne Slot responded by introducing Curtis Jones and Darwin Núñez in a bid to inject fresh energy into the side. Jones almost made an immediate impact, forcing a sharp save from Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Newcastle, however, remained a threat on the counter. Isak came close to adding a third, but his volley was brilliantly saved by Kelleher at point-blank range.
As the game entered its final stages, Slot made further changes, bringing on Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa. The substitutions added urgency to Liverpool’s play, but time was running out.
Late Drama: Chiesa Gives Liverpool Hope
In stoppage time, Liverpool finally found a breakthrough. Harvey Elliott played a perfectly weighted through ball to Federico Chiesa, who calmly slotted a low finish past Pope. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review confirmed that Chiesa was onside, giving Liverpool a glimmer of hope.
The Reds pushed for an equalizer in the dying moments, but Newcastle’s defense held firm. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Newcastle players and fans, as they clinched their first major trophy under Eddie Howe.
Key Takeaways
- Newcastle’s Tactical Mastery: Eddie Howe’s game plan was executed to perfection. Newcastle’s quick transitions and set-piece prowess proved decisive, with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak delivering when it mattered most.
- Liverpool’s Missed Opportunities: Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their attacking trio of Salah, Díaz, and Jota were largely kept quiet by Newcastle’s disciplined defense.
- Impact of Substitutions: Federico Chiesa’s late goal highlighted the importance of squad depth, but it was too little, too late for Liverpool.
- VAR Drama: The late VAR decision to award Chiesa’s goal added to the drama, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Conclusion
For Newcastle, this victory marks a significant milestone in their journey under Eddie Howe. Lifting the Carabao Cup at Wembley is a testament to the progress they’ve made as a team.
For Liverpool, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their late rally, they were unable to overcome a well-organized Newcastle side. Arne Slot will now turn his attention to ensuring his team bounces back stronger in their remaining competitions.
As the confetti rained down at Wembley, Newcastle’s fans celebrated a historic triumph, while Liverpool’s supporters were left to reflect on what might have been. Football, as they say, is a game of fine margins and on this occasion, it was Newcastle who emerged victorious.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com