Newcastle United fans had been here before way back in 2023 when Manchester United ran out 2-0 victors over the Magpies in the EFL Cup final.
Thankfully, history didn’t manage to repeat itself two years on from this sobering defeat at Wembley, as Eddie Howe’s Toon shocked Arne Slot’s Liverpool late on Sunday evening to lift the honours as deserved 2-1 winners.
Alexander Isak showed off his class once more in the forward positions to hand his side a famous Cup win, with the Swedish sharpshooter no doubt topping even more shopping lists this summer off the back of his sensational showing in the final.
The latest on Isak's future after Wembley heroics
If Isak is to depart this approaching summer, popping up with a golden strike to hand his side a 2-1 win at Wembley is quite the parting gift.
There are rumours suggesting that the ex-Real Sociedad striker could attempt to negotiate a new St James’ Park deal too, so it remains up in the air as to whether he will stick it out on Tyneside, but his goalscoring prowess cannot be questioned.
The Toon would race into a two-goal lead on the day courtesy of this thumping finish from Isak, with this priceless strike taking his goal haul for the season all the way up to a bumper 23.
Arsenal might well be viewing his expertise in-front of goal as a major plus to fix their striker issues, but whatever comes will come on the end of Newcastle who will bask in the glory of having Isak around for the time being, as his crucial contribution ensured his side finally picked up some significant silverware.
Newcastle also wouldn’t allow the sharp shooter to leave for a small amount – considering he’s being touted to exit for around the £130m mark – which would obviously be the same for this modern day great on Tyneside who solidified his status as a legend even more when holding the EFL Cup aloft.
Newcastle's £100m sale in the making
So many reliable faces in Howe’s camp have now immortalised themselves in Newcastle folklore, with Joelinton a battler from minute one to help his team get over the line, alongside Dan Burn producing the goods with a bullet header.
But, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes also stood out throughout as a livewire in the middle of the park, with the Toon number 39 winning himself nine duels among other standout numbers.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
40
Accurate passes
14/22 (64%)
Key passes
2
Shots on goal
2
Successful dribbles
1/2
Tackles
5
Total duels won
9/14
It was an incredible very well-rounded display from the midfield stalwart at Wembley with a grit present in his game that saw him win five tackles alongside his nine duels, but also an awareness to push forward and help out the likes of Isak bursting through on goal with two key passes registered, on top of tallying up two efforts of his own.
Shields Gazette journalist Dominic Scurr would gift Guimaraes a high 9/10 rating post-match subsequently, with Scurr impressed by how composed the 27-year-old was across the full frantic contest, even when the pressure was ramped up for Newcastle to get over the line.
While Isak has been talked about as the Toon’s next big sale, Guimaraes too could end up banking Howe’s men some serious cash if he can keep up these top-drawer displays, with the Brazilian once rumoured to be valued around the £100m mark, just £30m shy of Isak’s wild price tag.
With an impressive 44 goal contributions next to his name from 144 games at Newcastle, this hefty valuation hasn’t just come out of thin air, with his confidence to dominate up against a star-studded Liverpool midfield further showing off his ability.
But, as can be seen in his emotional post-match celebrations, Guimaraes truly feels connected to the Toon, with many more happy years on the horizon if he manages to stay put.
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