Sport
Newcastle’s Cup triumph could be the start of a golden period
The scenes of celebration were unlike anything witnessed since Newcastle United last lifted a major trophy 70 years ago. Most of the 30,000 fans from the North East inside Wembley for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool were born after 1955 when the Magpies last won silverware. This was something new in the club’s modern history.
It could also be the start of a golden period for Newcastle. The Magpies are well-placed to be competitive for major titles and honours in the years to come having already come a long way under Eddie Howe. There might well be more days like the one enjoyed by so many Geordies on Sunday.
PSR has limited what Newcastle have been permitted to spend since the Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of the club in 2021. Many expected the club would to quickly attract some of the biggest names in world football, but this hasn’t happened. Instead, Newcastle have been more considered in their squad building.
Even accounting for this, though, the St James’ Park outfit have gradually built up their team to the point that it can now win a cup final over the side sitting at the top of the Premier League table. There’s good reason to believe they will continue to build with some of the key pieces already in place.
Alexander Isak is arguably the best centre forward in the Premier League right now. The Swede found the back of the net against Liverpool on Sunday, bringing his tally for the season to 23 goals. Not only this, Isak’s all-round game and appreciation of space brings the best out of his teammates.
In Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle also boast one of the best central midfielders in the game. The Brazilian is a two-way operator who is just as capable driving forward as he is providing defensive fibre in front of the back four. Alongside Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali give Newcastle unmatched physicality in the middle.
This is a spine as strong as any other in the Premier League. Arsenal wish they had a centre forward like Isak. Manchester City wish they had a central midfielder like Guimaraes. Liverpool were outfought and outplayed all over the pitch at Wembley, but particularly in the middle. Newcastle are well set for the future.
“Hopefully with one, it can become more,” said Howe when asked about the possibility of winning more trophies in the seasons to come. “There’s no guarantee, though, but I just think it proves we can do it. I’ve never had any doubts about our ability to lift our game. But you don’t get many shots at this, you don’t get many shots at a cup final.
“Today we had to try and take our opportunity and that’s where the players delivered under pressure so well and so impressively. It also proved that we can mix our game against the very, very best. Now the challenge for us is to try and get there more often.”
Newcastle still need reinforcements in various areas. They could use another centre back, especially with Sven Botman a long-term absentee. Kieran Trippier could do with some competition at right back. That could be Tino Livramento, but that would then leave Howe light of options at left back.
As good as Jacob Murphy has been this season, Newcastle might be able to upgrade on the 30-year-old. The Magpies have given themselves a solid foundation, but must continue to build on top of it. If Howe and the decision makers at St James’ Park do that they will enjoy more days like Sunday.
