Philippa Kaur

THRILLED Newcastle fans loved their team’s social media post after they lifted the Carabao Cup this afternoon.Much was made of the Toon’s unbelievable trophy drought prior to the match.Newcastle posted this edited image on social mediaNewcastle ended their 70-year trophy droughtCredit: GettyNewcastle’s last major domestic trophy had come 70 years ago, when they lifted the FA Cup in 1955.Prior to his side’s 2023 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United, boss Eddie Howe attempted a novel motivational tactic.The Toon manager was said to have introduced a picture of the message “we have not won a trophy for 67 years” to greet players arriving for training.An image of the message subsequently circulated on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the aftermath of today’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, Newcastle reposted the image… albeit with one amendment.The club’s social media team edited the image to instead read: “We have not won a trophy in 0 years.”Jubiliant Newcastle supporters loved the post.One responded on X: “Nah fairs admin cooked here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis image circulated ahead of the 2023 Carabao Cup finalCredit: XWhile a second wrote: “Man I love you so much, this picture has haunted me for 3 years.”A third joked: “Nah New castle admins waited for 68 years to post this.”Ligue 1 match SUSPENDED twice and players rushed down tunnel as plume of smoke engulfs stadium after flares thrownAnd another added: “Damn that was quick.”After the match, Howe admitted that Newcastle were well aware of the club’s drought.He told Sky Sports: “We were well aware of the history and we wanted to do the club proud. We wanted to score, we wanted to perform and we wanted to win.”We are breaking new ground, I thought we were magnificent today.”We worked consistently for two weeks on set plays just for this game and if you had seen us in practice you would have said we haad no chance.”We couldn’t believe Dan Burn scored – he didn’t train like that! He was a colossus for us.”Eddie Howe masterminded Newcastle’s trophy winCredit: Alamy More

VIRGIL VAN DIJK was praised for his classy gesture just moments after Liverpool lost the Carabao Cup final.Van Dijk grabbed the winner against Chelsea to clinch the trophy 12 months ago.Virgil van Dijk showed his class after Liverpool lost the Carabao Cup final to NewcastleCredit: ReutersHe shook hands with Dan Burn and the Toon heroes during their celebrationsCredit: ReutersBut he was on the losing side this time around as a rampant Newcastle swept the Reds aside to end their 70-year wait for a trophy. Former Asda worker Dan Burn had the freedom of the penalty area to thunder a header home just before half-time.Then seven minutes after the break, Alexander Isak swept in a superb second. Federico Chiesa grabbed a late consolation deep into injury time after VAR proved he was onside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it was too little too late for Liverpool, just days after being dumped out of the Champions League on penalties to PSG. However, despite the painful defeat, Van Dijk took time out of his misery to congratulate the newly-crowned champions. Ex-Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “There was an embrace between Virgil van Dijk and Dan Burn.”Van Dijk stood at the Newcastle huddle – he went around and shook every player’s hand. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He respected what Newcastle have done today.”Class. A sign of respect for Newcastle.”Newcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitJust like Van Dijk, another legendary Liverpool centre-back was full of admiration for Eddie Howe’s Magpies.He said on Sky Sports: “Newcastle didn’t just win today, they battered Liverpool.”I find it difficult to be too critical, given what Liverpool look like they will go on to achieve.”Newcastle are a great Premier League team and they have wiped the floor with them today.”Newcastle’s three most famous fans – Ant, Dec and Alan Shearer – were all in the stands at Wembley to witness their beloved club winning their first trophy since the FA Cup in 1955. And Ant had viewers in stitches as he wore a Jason Tindall scarf. Howe’s infamous No2 even managed to be the fourth person of the Newcastle contingent to get his hands on the trophy in hilarious scenes. Burn scored the opener and got his hands on the trophyCredit: AFP More

FANS have been left in stitches after Jason Tindall grabbed the limelight during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup trophy lift. The Newcastle assistant joined the team to parade the cup after a famous 2-1 win over Liverpool.Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall was ecstatic after winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettySome fans joked the assistant boss should raise the trophy first ahead of Eddie HoweCredit: AFPThe trophy was Newcastle’s first since 1955Credit: AFPEddie Howe’s men ended a 70-year trophy drought after a grandstand finish at the Home of Football. Dan Burn and Alexander Isak had put the Magpies in firm control against the Premier League leaders.But a late Federico Chiesa strike set up a nerve-shredding final few minutes.The Toon Army celebrated wildly at the final whistle, with Burn trooping up the Wembley steps to lift the cup.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd fans were in hysterics as Tindall cut the line and was the FOURTH person to receive the trophy.One fan laughed: “Jason Tindall the fourth person affiliated to Newcastle lifting the trophy. The devil works hard but Tindall works harder.”Another wrote on X: “Love how Jason Tindall got to lift the trophy before most of the Newcastle players.”While a third commented: “How many people do we think Jason Tindall has rattled tonight by helping Newcastle lift the trophy?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a four added: “Newcastle could have done the funniest thing ever there and let Jason Tindall do the trophy lift. Opportunity missed.”Tindall is a cult hero on Tyneside and even had a London pub renamed in his honour this weekend.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalThe Dolphin, located by Kings Cross on Tonbridge Street, was re-named and transformed especially for Newcastle supporters.It became the Mad Dog & Mags in honour of Howe’s assistant, who is famed for his over-the-top antics on the sideline. Newcastle fans and players alike were reduced to tears after the win.An emotional Bruno Guimaraes said: “It’s all for these supporters.”They deserve everything. When I first came here I said I wanted to put my name in history. We can now say we are the champions again. This is one of the best days of my life.”I don’t have any words. It’s the best day of my life. For them [the fans] it’s like the World Cup. “People have grown up and not seen us as champions. My first year as captain of this club and it’s one of the best days. This is unbelievable.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This is my second home. We are making history. Some day when I leave this club I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to Shearer. “He text me before the game. I’m so emotional today.” More

NEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Newcastle celebrate their Wembley triumphCredit: ReutersLiverpool produced a disappointing display in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: PALocal lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late life-line on 94 minutes.After the Reds failed to conjure a late comeback, here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaoimhin Kelleher – 5Didn’t do an awful lot wrong to be honest, but was left scrambling at two great finishes from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak. In fairness to the Irishman, was it not for him this game could’ve ended with the Reds in a three or even four goal deficit. Has so often been Liverpool’s hero on occasions like today, but it wasn’t to be this time around.Jarrell Quansah – 5After being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England setup, Jarrell Quansah had the tough task of replacing the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back for the Red Men.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhile the youngster was solid defensively, he lacked the attacking prowess that makes TAA so unique and didn’t look massively comfortable in the role of the modern full-back. Virgil van Dijk – 6There are plenty of reasons many consider him to be the best defender in the world, and one of the best in history, but today he wasn’t able to show them.Ligue 1 match SUSPENDED twice and players rushed down tunnel as plume of smoke engulfs stadium after flares thrownHis passes seemed to always find a Newcastle player, which was perhaps more down to their desire than his ability, but either way they didn’t come off like they usually do. He was probably the Reds’ best defender on the day nonetheless, seemed the only one of the bunch able to cope with Newcastle’s physicality and desire. Ibrahima Konate – 4Much like Van Dijk whom he has learned from, we are so used to seeing the imperious Frenchman dominate players physically and composed at the back on the ball. For some reason today it didn’t seem to be working for him. Had a few shaky moments early on with the ball at his feet and the running of Isak caused him a few problems too. Ibrahima Konate cut a dejected figure upon the final whistleCredit: AFPAndy Robertson – 5His experience is so valuable in a game like this, but he looked off the pace today.Looked as though his feet couldn’t quite keep up with his footballing brain as he tried to create attacks for the Reds and was beaten a fair few times by Jacob Murphy down the right. Made a few extremely valuable blocks however defensively, but that was about all he could offer. Ryan Gravenberch – 5For a player of his evident quality, and a midfielder who has been a press-resistant machine for the Reds this season, I was left pretty disappointed to see him outshone by all three of Newcastle’s trio in the middle. Had a few nice touches and made some vital tackles, but wasn’t as impressive as we’ve seen him be many times this season. Ryan Gravenberch was unable to stamp his authority on the gameCredit: RexAlexis Mac Allister – 4Not quite sure why 5ft 9in Mac Allister was marking 6ft 6in Dan Burn from set pieces, but it definitely didn’t work. He wasn’t at his best today, with his passes tending to be poorly weighted and being physically dominated by his counterparts in black and white. Dominik Szoboszlai – 4The most attacking of Liverpool’s midfield three, Szobo showed some real intelligence with his passing and composure on the ball but was unable to provide that incisive pass when LFC needed it most. No efforts from range and a lack of all-round innovation on the front foot limited his ability to create chances for his side against an extremely combative Newcastle defence. Mo Salah – 2Was nullified brilliantly in the first half by Newcastle’s dynamic defensive duo of the rapid Tino Livramento and physical specimen Dan Burn. Eddie Howe seemed to employ the same tactic to stop him as PSG used in the Champions League, with a left-sided double up, and at times triple up causing trouble for the Egyptian King. His Ballon d’Or charge looks to be slipping week by week at the moment. Mo Salah did not live up to his usual lofty standardsCredit: AFPLuis Diaz – 3For a player who has so much to offer going forward, we didn’t see any of it from the Colombian winger this afternoon. Before the game you would have fancied his chances against a Kieran Trippier who is perhaps not what he once was, but the Englishman dominated him on the wing in truth. Diogo Jota – 3Was largely ineffective for a player of his calibre. Normally offers a bit of dynamism across the front line, and while he did break the Newcastle defence a few times with his running, there was no end product from him on the day. SUBSTITUTES: Darwin Nunez (Diogo Jota, 56) – 4It was the same old story for Darwin Nunez that we have seen from him for most of the season. He has the right ideas and gets in good areas, but wasn’t able to be the difference maker off of the bench for the Redmen when they needed him.Curtis Jones (Ibrahima Konate, 57) – 6Injected the game with some energy and looked one of the better players in a red shirt when he came on. Came closest to getting his side back in the game with a powerful strike which was well saved by Nick Pope. Cody Gakpo (Alexis Mac Allister, 67) – 4Largely ineffective after coming on, was well marshalled by Newcastle’s right hand side. Harvey Elliott (Luis Diaz, 74) – 7Was a difference maker off of the bench for his side, winning the ball brilliantly from Bruno Guimaraes and slotting a fine ball into the path of Chiesa who finished with aplomb. Played with the kind of fire and intensity Liverpool needed, but didn’t have long enough to give more of it to his team. Federico Chiesa (Ryan Gravenberch, 74) – 7Scored the goal which gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope at the death and made it a nervy final five minutes for the Geordies. Seems to have a knack of scoring at Wembley, and couldn’t have done much more after coming on off the bench.Federico Chiesa pulled one back for the RedsCredit: EPAHere’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated each Newcastle star on the day…Nick Pope – 9Despite all the concerns over his footwork, the stopper produced his inner Manuel Neuer in the first half with a great sweeper-keeper display.But it was all about his handling after the break as he made an excellent one-handed save from Curtis Jones just after the second goal.Kieran Trippier – 9Fortunate to get away with the handball in the first half but showed exactly why he won over 50 caps for England. Was also his corner that the opener came from.He might not have had the armband on, but a real captain’s performance from the veteran left-back as he refused to give Luis Diaz an inch.Kieran Trippier gave a passionate displayCredit: ReutersFabian Schar – 9Did not give the Liverpool attack an inch.Really composed display from the Swiss star alongside the man of the moment Dan Burn.Dan Burn – 10What a week for the loveable big Geordie defender with a first England call-up and then scoring here to end his boyhood club’s 70-year wait for a major trophy.The perfect display by the now legendary Toon defender.Dan Burn made it a perfect weekCredit: ReutersTino Livramento – 9Absolutely superb despite being played out of his natural position.Handled the threat of Mo Salah with ease and got forward numerous times, as well as having a huge hand in the crucial second goal.Bruno Guimaraes – 9Brazil-iant.The first man to lift a trophy for Newcastle since Bob Moncur in 1969 and the boy from Brazil earned it.Like the rest of his team-mates, gave absolutely everything he had and now his name is etched into the Toon history forever.Bruno Guimaraes was sensational for the ToonCredit: GettySandro Tonali – 9The Italian showed a great engine to get around the pitch and ensured Liverpool’s midfield could have zero effect.That was as well as all of his silky passing, which showed exactly why Newcastle paid the big bucks for him.Joelinton – 10An absolute rock for the Magpies in midfield and celebrated every tackle he won as if it was a goal.Was absolutely everywhere and typified everything about Toon’s performance.Joelinton was as committed as ever in the Toon midfieldCredit: GettyJacob Murphy – 9Was always a threat down the right but his crossing let his work-rate down slightly in the opening period.But he made right up for that with a great assist for Isak to secure his place in the hearts of the Toon Army forever.Harvey Barnes – 9Enjoyed himself against Jarell Quansah and was a constant pain.His display is a testament to how little Eddie Howe’s side missed Anthony Gordon.Alexander Isak – 9Didn’t get much of a sniff in the first half but he only needs one chance and he took it brilliantly after the break.Was only denied a second courtesy of a fantastic save from Caoimhin Kelleher.Get building that statue because he has just certified his status as a Newcastle legend.Alexander Isak got his name on the scoresheetCredit: GettySUBSTITUTES Callum Wilson (on for Isak, 82 minutes) – 6Continued the great work-rate his fellow striker had produced to see the game out.Joe Willock (on for Barnes, 82 minutes) – 7READ MORE SUN STORIESRan-and-ran after coming on to get his team over the line.Emil Krafth (on for Murphy, 90 minutes) – NA More