How Newcastle won the Carabao Cup final, and what Liverpool were missing in Wembley defeat to end Arne Slot's most difficult week yet

17 March 2025, 11:28 | Updated: 18 March 2025, 06:04

Newcastle ended their long wait for a trophy by beating Liverpool on Sunday and also halted a decade-long winless run against the Reds in the process. They made a side with a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League look more ordinary than almost anyone has managed this season.

Eddie Howe's team restricted Liverpool to a single shot before half-time and an xG of 0.89 overall to earn a convincing victory over Arne Slot's side in a tactical and physical masterclass at Wembley.

What did Newcastle do to stifle their opponents and win so comfortably - and what was sorely lacking from a team who have been the Premier League's runaway leaders?

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