70 years In The Making! Newcastle’s Long Wait For A Trophy
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70 years In The Making! Newcastle’s Long Wait For A Trophy

19/03/25 23:45

70 years In The Making! Newcastle’s Long Wait For A Trophy

16th March 2025 marks a monumental day in Newcastle history as they recorded their first domestic competition trophy since the 1955 FA Cup. As Eddie Howe and his side write their names in the history books, we look back at the gruelling journey Newcastle have taken for domestic success.

The Geordies have become a strong team in recent seasons since the takeover of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Amanda Staveley and the Ruben’s Brothers in October 2021. Gaining access to the Champions League in 2022-2023, Newcastle have continued to show steady improvement from what they once were.

When Newcastle lifted their last trophy

1969 marks the last time in which Newcastle United managed victory for a major trophy after completing a phenomenal campaign in the Europa League.

Named the ‘Fairs Cup’, Newcastle managed to fight back in the second leg of every round, with the Magpies only able to manage a draw or loss in the first. Playing in front of the home fans at St James’ Park, Newcastle won all of their games in the tournament, beating the likes of Bologna and Slovan Bratislav.

Going into the final, Newcastle United already had one hand on the trophy with a victory in front of the home crowd, defeating Ujpesti Dozsa 3-0 in the first leg. They would then go on to manage a 3-2 win in Budapest and secure the domestic title.

Since then, Newcastle have only managed to pick up silverware from the Championship, winning the trophy in both 2009/2010 and 2016/2017 (as well as picking up an Intertoto Cup in 2006/2007).

Newcastle’s 2024/2025 EFL Cup: Journey To Success

Newcastle’s EFL Cup campaign started with a difficult clash, facing off away from home against Nottingham Forest.

Joe Willock set the tone for the game, finding the back of the net within the first minute of the game and Newcastle controlled the first half. They were slower going into the second half and Jota Silva found the back of the net and although Newcastle came close, the game would go down to penalties.

After two missed penalties for Forest, Sean Longstaff marched hi way up to the spot and calmly slotted his penalty into the bottom right corner and Newcastle were into the next round.

Moving on to the third round, Newcastle welcomed AFC Wimbledon to St James’ Park for the third round of the tournament.

The Magpies played brilliantly, dominating the game possession wise and enjoyed a boatload of chances on goal. However, they would only manage one goal through a penalty calmly put away by Swiss defender Fabian Schar. Wimbledon did not even manage a shot on target and were careless in their passing but still put a good defensive fight against Newcastle.

Eddie Howe was seemingly upset with his side in how wasteful they were in front of net and after seeing who they drew for the next round, he knew there would be no room for poor finishing.

Given the home advantage again, Newcastle would be welcoming a hugely tougher opponent in Chelsea. Currently fighting them in the league for a spot in Europe next season, Newcastle knew the challenge ahead.

The game began with both sides coming close, Renato Viega seeing his shot blocked wide just moments after Joelinton hit the post at the other end. But fortune would come for Newcastle through Chelsea overplaying at the back to which the ball fell to Alexander Isak who was not missing from inside the area as the Swede continues to be a dangerous forward in England.

Under three minutes later, Newcastle’s lead was doubled with Chelsea defender Axel Disasi unfortunately putting the ball in the back of his own net, sealing Chelsea’s chances for the next round. Although Chelsea continued their onslaught throughout the remainder of the game, the two-goal disadvantage proved too much for them and Newcastle moved on with the Blues in their shadows.

Entering the Quarter Finals, The Geordies would draw Brentford who had a more straightforward previous round draw with Sheffield Wednesday, although they made it difficult and would decide the game on penalties.

Confidence was booming for Eddie Howe’s side as Brentford were making a name for themselves with their poor form away from home and this game would be a continuation of that. A brace from midfielder Sandro Tonali followed by a tap in for Fabian Schar and Newcastle were three goals to the good. Brentford managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute but it was too little too late and Newcastle were in to the semi finals.

With the draw consistency of Arsenal and Liverpool, Newcastle’s chances were looking slim, and it would be The Gunners in the semi finals and Newcastle were the travelling side for the second time in the tournament.

Having already beaten Arsenal earlier on in the Premier League and with Arsenal continuing to struggle with injuries, Newcastle were confident going into this game.

They hit the ground running in the first half, with their Swedish sensation yet again finding the back of the net and putting Newcastle 1-0 up going into the break. Arsenal enjoyed much more of the ball, they only managed 13.04% of their shots on target from 23 attempts.

The Gunners fate was then sealed after Anthony Gordon would pounce on a rebound and Newcastle would be 2-0 up going into the second leg at St James’ Park.

It would be back-to-back 2-0 victories for Newcastle with Jacob Murphy striking early to put Newcastle 3-0 up on aggregate. Again, Anthony Gordon would be the dagger in the Gunners hearts as a second half goal put the tie to bed and Newcastle were returning to the EFL Cup final, looking to redeem their dismay in the 2022/2023 suffering defeat to Manchester United.

Liverpool managed to turn their luck around after losing 1-0 to Tottenham in their first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, to defeat Spurs 4-0 at Anfield in a total inhalation of the London based side.

Travelling to Wembley, Newcastle United were heavy favourites to suffer defeat in this match, with Liverpool dominating everyone in the league and sure to pick up their first piece of silverware.

On top of this, Newcastle United have a record of nine succesive defeats at Wembley Stadium since their triumph back in 1956 looming over them as they travely to the mighty England stadium.

What Happened To Liverpool?

Liverpool were enjoying one of the greatest seasons in the club's history, with very few defeats across all competitions, one thing was certain, and it was that Arne Slot was going to collect trophies.

However, they entered this game off the back of torrential heartbreak, suffering a penalty defeat to French giants Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool’s dreams of a Champions League trophy was shattered.

Liverpool turned up to Wembley to face Newcastle and were sloppy and showed no motivation in going forward, only managing two shots on target at the end of the game.

Newcastle’s Triumph

Newcastle dominated the first half, and it was only a matter of time until they broke the deadlock. Right on the cusp of halftime, Dan Burn found himself unmarked in the area and the 32-year-old guided a wonderful header into the bottom corner and Newcastle found themselves in front.

Newcastle would find the back of the net again from another corner, after a Kelleher save would land straight at the feet of an open Alexander Isak at the back post. However, the goal would be overturned as Isak was stood in an offside position by the slightest of margins.

Given a second chance just moments later, Alexander Isak would pounce on a knockdown from Jacob Murphy and found the back of the net in spectacular fashion, leaving Newcastle with two goals and Liverpool displaying no attacking threat. The trophy was near enough confirmed by this point.

Isak came close again but was stopped by a fantastic save from Caoimhin Kelleher and as the game began to draw to a close Liverpool turned up the heat.

With eight minutes of added time, Liverpool hounded balls on net and Federico Chiesa would be blessed with acres of space through a brilliant run in behind and slotted the ball past Nick Pope to revive Liverpools chances. After a long VAR check, the goal stood, and Liverpool were looking dangerous with an equaliser defiantly on the cards.

Newcastle would then begin a brilliant display to run down the clock and fans were screaming in unison all the way through until the final whistle came, and Newcastle were Carabao Cup champions.

The stadium erupted and you could see just what it meant to the players and the fans, as the camera panned to a screaming Alan Shearer who finally got to see his boyhood club enjoy domestic success. An emotional hug between Eddie Howe and Dan Burn capped off a heartfelt celebration as the Magpies made their way up to lift the trophy.

70 years of English heartbreak and missed opportunities was all redeemed after a tremendous footballing display from Eddie Howe’s mighty Newcastle.

Eddie Howe would also cement himself in the history books as the first English manager to lift a major trophy since Harry Redknapp in 2008.

Returning to the Premier League, the Toon Army will continue their march forward as they set their sights on Europe.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Ozzie Summerhill

Writer at Football Park

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