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.
