Newcastle United arrive at Wembley today for the Carabao Cup final as underdogs against in-form Manchester United. But if they are looking for extra inspiration to clinch a first major trophy in 54 years, the Magpies can lean on the memory of a day when a striker who was once one of their own upset the odds under the famous arch.
A mixture of injuries, suspensions and poor form have seen Newcastle drop out of the Premier League top four after one league win in seven, while Sunday’s opponents have only lost one of their last 12 league games. To make matters worse for the Magpies, they will travel to Wembley without first-choice shot-stopper Nick Pope, following the England international’s red card during the 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool.
But what bearing might underdog status have on Eddie Howe’s men and their pursuit of their club’s first major trophy in 54 years? As the Toon Army travel to London for their first cup final this century, we’ve looked back at what became of previous bookies’ second favourites at the new Wembley to see if recent history suggests Newcastle of springing a surprise there.
READ MORE: Carragher urges Newcastle to 'go after' Man Utd and explains why Magpies can win without Nick Pope
And one particular shock, and one name, stand out.
Portsmouth: 2010 FA Cup final
Despite financial turmoil off the pitch and Premier League relegation, Portsmouth defied all odds and reached the 2010 FA Cup Final, defeating local rivals Southampton and former manager Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham Hotspur on the way. And their fans still look back at what could have been after the narrowest of defeats.
Facing his former club, Avram Grant saw his Pompey side generally dominated by the Premier League champions in terms of possession and chances, with Chelsea hitting the woodwork five times in the first half alone. However, Portsmouth’s moment came soon after the break, when Aruna Dindane was brought down by Julian Belletti to win a penalty.
Kevin-Prince Boateng’s spot kick, though, was weak and easily saved by Petr Cech, and Didier Drogba compounded Pompey’s agony just before the hour mark when he lashed home a 25-yard free kick. Frank Lampard missed a late penalty, but there was still no way back for the outsiders.
Pompey’s woes were deepened further after the final as they were denied their spot in the Europa League the following season – gifted to them by Chelsea’s Champions League qualification - due to their financial mismanagement.
Birmingham City: 2011 League Cup final
Having overcome Rochdale, MK Dons, Brentford and Aston Villa in the earlier rounds, the Blues beat West Ham after extra-time in their semi-final to set up a clash with Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal. Birmingham were two points off the Premier League relegation zone while the Gunners were in a what looked a two-horse title race with Manchester United, and were emphatic bookies’ favourites.
Wenger’s men were stunned early on when Nikola Zigic headed Birmingham ahead, but hit back with a stunning volley from Robin Van Persie, and then laid siege to the Blues’ goal. But goalkeeper Ben Foster stood firm to keep the Gunners out before a late mix-up between Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny saw on-loan striker Obafemi Martins – two years on from leaving Newcastle - tap into an empty net to win Birmingham’s first trophy in 48 years.
Cardiff City: 2012 League Cup Final
Malky Mackay’s Cardiff City saw off Crystal Palace on penalties to reach their first ever League Cup final in 2012, where they faced Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool. Cardiff were in the Championship play-off race in 2012, while the Reds were floundering in Premier League mid-table, but Dalglish’s men were still overwhelming favourites to pick up their record eighth League Cup.
However, Joe Mason put the Welsh side ahead in the 18th minute, and they held on at 1-1 to force extra-time following Martin Skrtel’s equaliser on the hour mark. Cardiff looked beaten with 12 minutes left when Dirk Kuyt scored a scrappy goal, only for Ben Turner to bundle home a late, late equaliser from close range.
But penalties brought agony for the Bluebirds, as Anthony Gerrard, cousin of Liverpool legend Steven, missed the decisive spot kick to give the Reds victory.
Bradford City: 2013 League Cup final
Bradford City beat all the odds to reach their first cup final since winning the FA Cup back in 1911, while also becoming the first fourth tier side to reach the League Cup final since Rochdale in 1962.
But the final was a bridge too far.
Stood in the Bantams’ way at Wembley were Michael Laudrup’s Swansea City, who were on course to record their highest-ever league finish, while also appearing in their first English Cup final in their history. The Premier League side’s quality proved far too strong for Bradford, who had goalkeeper Matt Duke sent off and saw two goals apiece for Nathan Dyer and Jonathan de Guzman, and one for Michu, earn the Swans a 5-0 win which remains the biggest margin of victory in a League Cup final.
Wigan Athletic: 2013 FA Cup final
Just months after Bradford’s thrashing by Swansea, Wigan Athletic proved there was plenty of life left in the old cup final underdog story. This was Wigan’s second cup final since they were promoted to the Premier League, but their first at the new Wembley, and they were given no chance against City, the 2011-12 Premier League champions.
The Blues were hungry to make up for a disappointing season which had seen them lose their title to city rivals Manchester United and go out of Europe in the group stages. But Roberto Mancini’s men were stunned by a display of energy and attacking ambition from Wigan which saw City defender Pablo Zabaleta sent off late on, and then – sensationally – substitute Ben
Watson score with a 91st-minute header to win the Latics’ first ever major trophy. Wigan were relegated from the Premier League just days later following a defeat at Arsenal, becoming the only side to ever win the FA Cup and drop out of the top division in the same season.
READ NEXT
- Eddie Howe uses his own personal Wembley experience to guide Newcastle United stars
- Ex-England and Arsenal man backs Manchester United to have 'too much' for Newcastle United
- 'Make history' - Nobby Solano urges Newcastle United to right the wrongs of 1999 FA Cup final defeat
- The inside story of Newcastle United's Carabao Cup run: Burn's dance, unsung heroes and early scare
- Graeme Souness on 'weight of expectation' to end Newcastle United's trophy drought
