EFL Cup final: Newcastle end 56-year trophy drought, top Liverpool with dominant performance

A 2-1 win suggests a closer game, but Newcastle were the better team for most of Sunday's EFL Cup final

A 56-year wait for a major trophy is over for Newcastle United after defeating Liverpool 2-1 to win the EFL Cup final on Sunday. Goals from boyhood Newcastle fan Dan Burn and their talisman Alexander Isak were enough to defeat a Liverpool side that entered the week with a chance to win three trophies and will exit it only remaining in the running for one, the Premier League. 

Stoppage time got nervy with Federico Chiesa scoring and bringing Liverpool within one goal in the 94th minute of play, but even Virgil Van Djik going forward as a center forward wouldn't stop the eventual Newcastle celebration.

It's quite a moment that Newcastle have been building toward since Eddie Howe took over as manager in November of 2021, and no matter what, they'll be in European play for the second time since the 2023-24 season. Sitting sixth in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City, Newcastle can still finish in a Champions League position this season which will be their next goal, but Sunday is for celebration.

That's quite a contrast to how things will feel with Liverpool. Coming into the season, Arne Slot would have been incredibly happy with only winning the Premier League, but coming so close to winning multiple trophies, the Reds will want to refocus for the run in where they're still expected to win the league. 

Newcastle's midfield was a driving force behind the victory with the versatile Joelinton putting in a shift, Bruno Guimaraes popping up everywhere and Sandro Tonali helping them all keep balance in the match, leading to absolute joy at Wembley and the end of a long, long drought.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 2:37 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Newcastle has done it 

Eddie Howe has now led Newcastle United to their first major trophy since 1969 behind goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak. Defeating Liverpool to get here, the Magpies even were able to get past the team expected to win the Premier League to do it. Newcastle has at least clinched a place in the Europa Conference Leauge but they'll want to push for the Champions League where there is still a chance to finish the season in a top four positon.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 2:26 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

GOAL! Liverpool 1, Newcastle 2

The goal initially wasn't given to Federico Chiesa but he has provided a lifeline during stoppage time with his goal given following a VAR review in the 94th minute of play. The Reds are about to throw everything forward as there's now a chance at a comeback.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 2:20 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Eight minutes added

Newcastle has transitioned into a back five to see this out but we're now in the countdown. 

[Mar 16, 2025 at 2:08 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

13 minutes remain

With each tick of the clock, Newcastle inches closer to ending their 56-year trophy drought. They must keep their cool but this is in sight.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:54 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Turning up the pressure

Isak almost had another goal as the Magpies have been too much for Liverpool to handle in the second half of play. It certainly feels like they're going to get a second before Liverpool can grab a first. 

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:47 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Changes incoming for Liverpool

Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez will enter the match for Ibrahima Kounate and Diogo Jota as Jones will enter as a center back to help Liverpool push the ball up the pitch. The next goal could decide this. 

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:43 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

GOAL! Liverpool 0, Newcastle United 2

It's Alexander Isak that time! The man that Newcastle looks to for their goals now has his 23rd in this campaign and their supporters are going into delirium. Around 40 minutes still remain in the game so anything can happen but Newcastle are dreaming of ending their trophy drought with an excellent finish.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:41 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Alarm bells are ringing 

From another corner kick, Alexander Isak has the ball in the back of the net but was offside. As these corners come in, Liverpool hasn't been able tot deal with them all game and it's becoming quite an issue.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:36 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Back underway

Liverpool's trying to start the second half of play by going long with the ball but they'll still need to be wary of Dan Burn in defense deflecting attacks back down the pitch. 

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:20 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

We've reached the half

Newcastle United can't ask for much more than changing the tide of this match before going into the break. Liverpool will look to bounce back in the second half of play after not registering a shot on target in the entire first half and only taking one total.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:17 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

GOAL! Liverpool 0, Newcastle United 1

It's the first goal in over a year for the tallest man on the field, Dan Burn. Left alone again in the box after Harvey Barnes won a corner kick, we're now in a major moment in the EFL Cup final. It was a well placed header by Burn and Newcastle strikes first.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 1:07 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Big chance for Newcastle 

A corner found the head of Bruno Guimaraes but he was unable to get enough power on it to trouble Kelleher in net. The chances are piling up for Newcastle United in the early going while Liverpool's still struggling to get the ball into the attacking third of the pitch.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:57 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

We have our first shot on target

It came from Burno Guimaraes at close range but Kelleher was there to stop the chance. The Brazilian midfielder has been key for Newcastle so far utilizing a free role in midfield to control the pace at which Liverpool can advance.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:49 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Are the minutes showing?

After playing 120 minutes midweek, Liverpool are struggling to gain control of this match. They do have the advantage in possession with with attacking players like Salah, Jota and Szoboszlai only having single digit touches in the early stages it has been tough to progress the ball up the pitch in the first 20 minutes of play.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:37 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Look out for Harvey Barnes

After a short Newscalste free kick, a give and go with Harvey Barnes produced a corner kick. Already getting into dangerous areas for the Magpies, with Alexander Isak commanding so much attention in the middle, Barnes is someone who can make the difference in this clash. Without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's defense will be more conservative on that flank which also gives Barnes space to operate.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:33 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Looking to start quickly 

When Newcastle gets the ball, they're looking to quickly advance possession into dangerous areas. That does give Liverpool space to counter but it could also make for quite an exciting affair if they can keep this energy. 

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:31 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Liverpool 0, Newcastle United 0 (1H)

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:27 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The teams are out and we're ready to go

Both teams are ready for the occasion as the League Cup will be decided shortly. Wembley is in full force as Liverpool and Newcastle United get ready to kick off.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:22 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The stage is set

It's so loud at Wembley that it's hard to make out much over the crowd noise in an impressive atmosphere for the EFL Cup final. 

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Prediction

Even with Liverpool's form, this game was always going to be an uphill battle for Newcastle but finding a way to win without Gordon might be too tall a task. Expect the Reds to put this week's Champions League defeat behind them and rediscover their strong performances of this season in order to win Slot's first trophy as the Liverpool boss. Pick: Liverpool 2, Newcastle United 0

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Time to get ready for the match

[Mar 16, 2025 at 12:00 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Newcastle's midfield will be key

The midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes will have to shine brightest to bring glory to Newcastle. Without wide players to advance play, they'll have to attempt to go at the heart of Liverpool's defense. A talented trio in the middle, Newcastle can do that given the varying skills of each midfielder and their abilities to shoot from outside the box, but winning the midfield battle against Liverpool is quite a task. There's a reason why the Reds are atop the Premier League by 15 points, but they haven't been an infallible side this season. Newcastle's midfield can make magic happen and Wembley is just the place for it.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:45 am ET · Chuck Booth]

Where is Anthony Gordon?

On the left side of Newcastle's formation, fullback Lewis Hall will miss out due to a season-ending foot injury, but Gordon's absence from this match is a self-inflicted one. In the fifth round of the FA Cup, Gordon received a straight red card for shoving Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke to the ground. Gordon was then issued a three-match suspension for violent conduct which Newcastle had the ability to appeal. The Magpies did not, deeming that it was an appropriate suspension, but that means Gordon won't be available until April 7 when they host Leicester City.

While that card was handed out in the FA Cup, it also carries over to other competitions, unlike yellow cards. So, no matter what domestic competitions would be next for Gordon, he won't be available for them, and that means he's out for the EFL Cup Final and two Premier League matches.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:39 am ET · Chuck Booth]

Newcastle's EFL Cup lineup

The pressure will be on Newcstle's midfield to make things happen today.

Newcastle United starters: Nick Pope, Valentino Livramento, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy

Reserves: Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Matt Targett, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Sean Neave, William Osula

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:37 am ET · Chuck Booth]

Liverpool's EFL Cup final lineup

Ibrahima Kounate has passed fit to participate in the final while Jarell Quansah will feature for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool starters: Caoimhin Kelleher, Andrew Robertson, Virgil Van Djik, Ibrahima Kounate, Jarell Quansah, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah

Reserves: Alisson, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, Konstantinos Tsimikas, James McConnel

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:20 am ET · Chuck Booth]

What's on the line?

Liverpool are hoping for two trophies this season, while Newcastle are after their first domestic cup trophy since 1954-55. Our James Benge looked at the matchup ahead of the match and had the following to say about both.

Liverpool

"Certainly, what history there is to be made for Liverpool is a little more esoteric. There will be no treble, but a win on Sunday would draw Arne Slot's men level with Manchester United for the most domestic cups won in England. Sometime in April or May they will tie their great rivals on 20 top-flight titles. Add in their superior record in the European Cup and the statistical case that the greatest team in the country plays at Anfield becomes hard to debate."

Newcastle

"Eddie Howe's side, backed by the transformative wealth of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, are tailor-made to take on the best in the land. They showed as much in a semifinal against Arsenal where they rode the moments on the back foot, trusting that star forward Alexander Isak could win it for them at the other end. Newcastle have had to get to Wembley the hard way, beating Chelsea and Brentford on their way to the Arsenal semifinal they won so emphatically. That rather suits this team."

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:15 am ET · Chuck Booth]

History in the EFL Cup

This tournament has been held since 1960, known as the Football League Cup for 65 years, and for the last nine years it's been known as the EFL Cup. No team has won the competition more than Liverpool, with the Reds making 14 finals and winning it 10 times. They won it last year against Chelsea thanks to a goal in extra time by Virgil van Dijk. Newcastle have made the final twice in their history ahead of Sunday's game, losing both finals in 1976 and 2023. The most recent final saw them lose to Manchester United 2-0 with goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:10 am ET · Chuck Booth]

Predicted lineups

Liverpool: Alisson, Andrew Robertson, Virgil Van Djik, Ibrahima Kounate, Jarell Quansah, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah

Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Valentino Livramento, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:07 am ET · Chuck Booth]

UCL wear and tear hits Trent Alexander-Arnold

During an emotional 120 minutes of soccer facing PSG on Tuesday, during which Liverpool fell in a penalty shootout, the Reds also saw Alexander-Arnold depart the match with an ankle sprain in the 73rd minute. Jarell Quansah would enter to play right back for the remainder of the clash. Manager Arne Slot has now ruled Alexander-Arnold out although he does think there's a chance that Ibrahima Kounate can make the final.

"So, Trent is indeed not available. He will not be there at the final. But he is still to be assessed for how long it's going to take but we do expect him back in the end of the season," Slot said about Alexander-Arnold's fitness.

With Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley already sidelined with thigh injuries, Slot is down three right backs for this cup final. That will likely lead to Quansah needing to deputize there on Sunday and Wataru Endo coming in at center back if Konate doesn't pass his fitness test. Liverpool have been able to win on plenty of occasions without their best players being available, but this will push their depth to its limits in a cup final.

[Mar 16, 2025 at 11:03 am ET · Chuck Booth]

How to watch and odds

• Date: Sunday, March 16 | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Wembley Stadium -- London, England
• Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: Liverpool -150; Draw +310; Newcastle United +390