Newcastle United beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Sunday to end their 70-year run of trophyless football. After years of rebuilding, this win could spark a new generation of success for the Magpies.
The star of the night was Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who scored a towering header and repelled every Liverpool attack. His performance earned him Man of the Match, also known as the Alan Hardaker Trophy.
It was a special match for Burn both for his performance and as he was a boyhood supporter of Newcastle United. Born just north of Newcastle upon Tyne, Burn started his youth career for the Magpies but was told he wasn’t good enough at just 11 years of age.
After fighting his way through the ranks of lower leagues and a stint working at a local grocery store, he finally found his way back to Newcastle in 2022. His return has seen the club playing in the Champions League and now winning their first domestic trophy since 1955.
Liverpool are sitting at the top of the English Premier League, and much of their success has come through their dominating midfield. Their trio of dynamic and talented midfielders, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch, have been bossing almost every game they’ve played.
They met their match against Newcastle with Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães, and Sandro Tonali. It was a scrappy match at times, which favored Newcastle and their style of play.
Newcastle pressed hard when they could win the ball and then sat back and hit Liverpool on the counter. Joelinton and Tonali were all over the pitch winning every 50/50 ball and suffocating Liverpool at every chance they got.
Guimaraes’ talent and technical ability were on full display. He played several great through balls, cross-pitch passes, and beautiful touches under pressure. Liverpool was outplayed, outworked, and outclassed on the day.
Newcastle United dominated Liverpool in all facets of the match. Their backline was organized, the midfield was industrious yet skillful, and the attackers kept up fierce pressure. Their future is bright if they can keep the squad together.
Liverpool will go on to win the Premier League, but they will be stuck thinking about the what-ifs of the Carabao Cup Final and an early defeat in the Champions League.
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