On March 16, 2025, Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United side created history by winning the Carabao Cup, a triumph that was not just about the silverware itself but marked a significant turning point in the club’s long and storied history. The 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley was a moment of immense pride and joy, especially for a club that had endured decades without a major trophy. It had been 55 years since Newcastle won their last major honor, and even longer since they claimed a domestic cup—70 years in fact. For Howe, the win represented more than just a victory; it was a monumental step toward the future of the club, a future that could now be built on the solid foundation of this success.
Howe, who has been at the helm since 2021, admitted that the emotions of winning the cup were overwhelming. The victory was not only a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players but also a triumph for the entire city of Newcastle and its loyal supporters. It was a victory that resonated deeply within the community and one that had been a long time coming. “It is very unlike me,” Howe confessed after the final, referencing his emotional response to the win. “We knew what was at stake and just wanted to do everyone proud.” His words highlighted how much the achievement meant not just to him but to the club and the supporters who had patiently waited for decades to see a moment like this.
The match itself was a tense and closely contested affair. Both teams went into the final knowing the magnitude of the occasion, but it was Newcastle who came out on top. The first goal came from Dan Burn, the towering defender who rose above everyone to score a powerful header just before halftime. The goal was the culmination of two weeks of preparation on set pieces, but Howe, ever the tactician, was surprised by the quality of Burn’s finish. “Dan will be the first to admit, he hasn’t practiced like that!” Howe joked in the aftermath of the game. “But all of the players were magnificent, particularly him. He was a colossus today.” For Burn, it was a defining moment in his career, and the goal would forever be a part of Newcastle’s history.
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Early in the second half, Alexander Isak doubled Newcastle’s lead with a composed finish, putting the team in a commanding position. Liverpool, however, refused to give up. Despite struggling to break down Newcastle’s resilient defense for most of the match, they pulled one back through Federico Chiesa in stoppage time. The late goal put pressure on Howe’s side, but they held firm and secured a hard-earned victory. The final whistle at Wembley was met with scenes of jubilation, with Howe and his players basking in the glory of their hard-earned triumph. It was a moment of sheer joy for the players, the manager, and most importantly, the long-suffering supporters who had dreamed of such a day for years.
For Eddie Howe, the win was the culmination of years of hard work and anticipation. The club had come close to major success in recent years, but it had always been just out of reach. In 2023, they had lost to Manchester United in a similar cup final, and that defeat had been a bitter pill to swallow. This time, however, Howe was confident in the team’s preparations, and the win was a reflection of the progress they had made under his leadership. “It had a different feel this time,” Howe remarked, reflecting on their previous final. “We were better prepared, and I had no doubt that the players would perform.” The level of confidence in Howe and the team’s ability to get over the line was evident in their performance, and the result was a well-deserved victory.
Howe was particularly impressed with the way his team had approached the final, both in terms of their preparation and their tactical approach. He noted that, despite facing Liverpool just weeks before in the Premier League, Newcastle had been careful not to reveal all of their strategies in that match. “We didn’t want to show our hand when we played them a few weeks ago,” he explained. “We still wanted to win that game, but we did it in a different way.” This tactical foresight paid off in the Carabao Cup final, as Newcastle were able to surprise Liverpool with their approach and outplay them when it mattered most.
For Howe, the victory was about more than just a trophy. It was the start of a new era for Newcastle United. The club had been through its ups and downs in recent years, but the Carabao Cup win was a statement of intent. “We are trying to break new ground,” Howe said, outlining his vision for the future of the club. “Hopefully, this is a turning point for us.” The victory had the potential to reshape the club’s ambitions, providing a springboard for further success in the future. Newcastle United had established themselves as a force to be reckoned with once again, and Howe was determined to ensure that this was just the beginning.
The significance of the victory was also evident in the emotional reaction of the players, who had worked tirelessly for this moment. Bruno Guimaraes, one of the club’s standout performers in midfield, was visibly emotional as he celebrated the win with his teammates. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he embraced his fellow players, acknowledging the importance of the triumph both for the team and for the supporters. For Guimaraes and many of his teammates, this was a moment of validation. They had endured through difficult times, but their hard work and dedication had finally paid off.
The win was also a testament to the work that Eddie Howe had done since his appointment. When Howe took over, Newcastle were struggling both on the pitch and in terms of their overall direction. The team lacked confidence, and there was little belief that they could compete with the Premier League’s elite. Under Howe’s guidance, however, that all changed. He instilled a new sense of belief and ambition in the squad, and this Carabao Cup win was proof that his methods were working. Howe had transformed the club, turning it into a competitive side capable of challenging for major honors once again. The victory at Wembley was not just a reflection of the players’ efforts but also a vindication of Howe’s managerial prowess and his ability to inspire his team.
Looking ahead, Howe is determined to build on this triumph. The challenge now, he knows, is to maintain momentum and continue to evolve as a team. While the Carabao Cup victory is a huge accomplishment, Howe is aware that the club must continue to push forward if they are to challenge for even greater honors in the future. “This is just the start for us,” Howe said after the final. “We want to continue to improve and keep pushing for more success.” His words reflected his long-term vision for the club, one in which success becomes a regular feature and Newcastle United can compete at the very highest level.
The players, too, are eager to build on this success. For them, the Carabao Cup victory represents the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Many of them have been through the lows of relegation battles and disappointing seasons, but this moment was a reminder of what can be achieved when they stick together and work toward a common goal. The Carabao Cup win was not just a reward for their efforts but a stepping stone toward even greater accomplishments in the future.
The victory has also had a profound impact on the fans, who have been with the club through thick and thin. For many supporters, this victory represented the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. They had waited decades for a moment like this, and it was a cause for celebration across the city of Newcastle. Fans poured into the streets to celebrate, sharing in the collective joy and pride that came with seeing their team finally lift a major trophy once again. The emotional significance of the victory was not lost on the supporters, who had remained loyal to the club through its difficult times. For them, this was not just a football match—it was a moment of catharsis, a long-awaited triumph that brought joy and pride to a city that had been waiting for its time in the sun.
Newcastle United’s triumph in the Carabao Cup is more than just about winning a trophy. It is about the hope and belief that it has instilled in the club and its supporters. For Eddie Howe, it marks a turning point in Newcastle’s history, a moment when the club turned a corner and began to look toward a brighter future. For the players, it is a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication. And for the fans, it is the realization of a long-held dream. With this victory, Newcastle United has sent a powerful message to the rest of the Premier League: they are back, and they are here to stay. The Carabao Cup is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new era for the club, and under Eddie Howe’s leadership, the future looks very bright indeed.
