Eddie Howe believes the energy-sapping Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Manchester United played a major role in Liverpool securing a 7-0 win over their bitter rivals.
Erik ten Hag's side secured silverware at Wembley last month courtesy of two first-half goals, which the Toon Army could not replicate after the break despite their best efforts.
Three days after tasting success in this showpiece fixture, United hosted West Ham in the FA Cup before taking on Liverpool last Sunday. It goes without saying the Red Devils' trip to Anfield did not go to plan, shipping seven goals without reply, in what was a humiliating experience from start to finish.
