Liverpool manager Arne Slot would have been surprised by how “passive” his side were on their way to falling behind at the break in the EFL Cup final 2025, three-time winner of the competition Gary Neville has said.
Towering defender Dan Burn leapt to head the Magpies in front on the stroke of half-time at Wembley Stadium, where Liverpool had one of the 10 first-half attempts at goal between the teams and none on target.
“Liverpool haven’t turned up in this first half,” former Manchester United captain Neville told ITV Sport. “Newcastle have – and they’ve got their just rewards
“It’s been a really good, concentrated, solid performance from Newcastle. I’m sure Arne Slot’s men will recover and get better in the second half, but he’ll be flabbergasted as to how passive they’ve been in this opening 45 minutes.”
“Mac Allister is not even watching the ball, what that’s about I’ll never know”
Jamie Carragher analyses Newcastle’s opener 🔍 pic.twitter.com/rkR8xJtJQ2
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
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Liverpool v Newcastle: Isak goal thrills Neville
Newcastle doubled their advantage when top scorer Alexander Isak struck first time from inside the box in the 52nd minute.
“This is special,” said Neville, watching Newcastle’s fans celebrate. “They’re crying, I’m almost crying for them. What a finish – what a game.”
Runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool are 23 points ahead of Newcastle in the top flight but toiled to supply talisman Mohamed Salah, the leading marksman with 27 goals and 17 assists in the division.
“Now they’re BELIEVING!” 🎙️
Alexander Isak doubles the Newcastle lead at Wembley 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sUlyVIX5Ul
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
In his first season in charge, Slot is seeking his maiden trophy after his side were knocked out of the Champions League with a last-16 defeat on penalties at home to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
“Maybe that’s had more of an effect on them than we imagined,” speculated Neville. “He’ll have been frustrated with them – they haven’t played at all.
“There’s been nothing there. The first time they got Salah on the ball [after falling behind], something happened. Slot will have been telling them at half-time to get the ball to him.”
Alexander Isak has the ball in the Liverpool net for a second time but the flag is up! ❌ pic.twitter.com/76wturG1bG
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
EFL Cup final: Burn bags opener
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested Slot should switch marking responsibilies on Burn from Alexis Mac Allister to Diogo Jota.
Argentina international Mac Allister appeared to be stranded as he allowed Burn to beat goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with the opening goal.
Liverpool are the most successful team in the history of the competition, winning the trophy for a 10th time by beating Chelsea in the 2023/24 final.
Mac Allister and fellow midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scored when their side beat Newcastle 2-0 at home in the league on February 26.
