When Newcastle United last stood below the Wembley arch, tears ran down forlorn faces. Defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final two years ago spoke volumes. On a day that showcased their inexperience and naivity, the 2023 final proved just how far Newcastle had to go to call themselves a top club.
In 2025, with a much harder job on paper of beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool, Newcastle came of age to lift the gloom and end the wait for a major trophy which had clouded every corner of their existence for far too long.
