Newcastle outclass Reds to finally secure Carabao Cup

The banner in Wembley’s top tier could have formed part of the team talk. It was certainly a motivation.

- RICHARD JOLLY

“Write your name in the history books,” it read. Newcastle United did. Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, the scorers who will forever be bracketed together in Tyneside folklore. The right-sided double act of Kieran Trippier and Jacob Murphy, who got an assist apiece. The unique Joelinton, the £40m misfit rebranded as midfield powerhouse. Bruno Guimaraes, the first Newcastle captain to lift a trophy at Wembley since 1955. Eddie Howe, the manager who accomplished something that eluded even beloved figures like Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson.

Because the great drought is over; their Wembley jinx with it, Liverpool’s league leaders eviscerated as Newcastle celebrated. Their previous trophy at Wembley came a few weeks after Winston Churchill had stood down as prime minister. Their previous major silverware came a few weeks before man first walked on the moon. The adjective “long-suffering” may have been designed for them. They have waited and waited. “For [the fans] it's like the World Cup,” said Guimaraes. “People have grown up and not seen us as champions.” They have now. “It's the best day of my life,” said the captain. He is an adopted Geordie. Many a native of Northumberland would agree. “We are breaking new ground,” said Howe.

The club who had only experienced disappointment, who abandoned all ambition of winning anything in the Mike Ashley era, belatedly have a reason to open the trophy cabinet, to give the 1955 FA Cup and the 1969 Fairs Cup some company. Forget Newcastle Brown Ale, they may be opening crates of Carabao on Tyneside now.