As the final whistle blew at Wembley Stadium, the scene was one of stark contrast. While Newcastle United’s players and fans erupted in jubilation, Liverpool’s contingent was left in stunned silence. The Reds had just suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup final, a result that not only denied them silverware but also exposed glaring flaws in their performance. For a club with Liverpool’s pedigree, this was not just a loss—it was a capitulation.
By the time manager Arne Slot led his devastated players up the steps to collect their runners-up medals, Liverpool’s half of the stadium was eerily empty. The fans, who had traveled to London in their thousands, had already begun their somber journey home. They had witnessed what could only be described as Liverpool’s worst performance in a major final this century.
Newcastle United, under the astute guidance of Eddie Howe, were deserved winners. They outmuscled, outthought, and outplayed Liverpool in every department. The scoreline, which flattered the Reds, masked the gulf in performance between the two sides. For Liverpool, this was a week to forget. After their heartbreaking Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, they suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time under Slot. While the European exit could be attributed to bad luck, the Carabao Cup final defeat was a result of poor planning, execution, and attitude.
❤
It’s important to maintain perspective. Liverpool remain 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League with nine games remaining. Winning the title would still make Slot’s first season in charge a resounding success. However, the manner of their defeat at Wembley cannot be ignored. This was a performance that raised serious questions about the team’s mentality, tactics, and depth.
Fatigue: The Invisible Opponent
One of the most significant factors in Liverpool’s defeat was fatigue—both physical and mental. The grueling two-legged Champions League tie against PSG had taken its toll. Nine of the 10 outfield players who started at Wembley had also played both legs against the French giants. The emotional toll of losing on penalties, coupled with the physical demands of such high-stakes matches, left the players running on empty.
Slot’s decision not to rotate more heavily in the league game against Southampton before the second leg against PSG may have been a critical misstep. Players like Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott, who could have provided fresh legs and energy, were underutilized. Slot gave his squad a day off on Thursday in an attempt to recharge their batteries, but it was clear from the opening minutes at Wembley that the players were far from their best.
A Lack of Fight and Physicality
Newcastle United came into the final with a clear game plan: outmuscle Liverpool and dominate the physical battles. They executed it to perfection. Liverpool were second best in almost every duel, winning just 43% of their challenges and a dismal 32% of aerial duels. The midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, usually so influential, were overwhelmed by Newcastle’s intensity.
Slot himself acknowledged the issue after the match: “This game had nothing to do with running; it had to do with playing duels. We lost too many of them. If we play 10 games in the air against Newcastle, they probably win nine because they are stronger in that aspect.”
Tactical Missteps and a Lack of Creativity
Liverpool’s problems were not just physical—they were tactical and technical as well. Despite enjoying 66% possession, they did little with the ball. Their decision-making was poor, and they lacked the composure and creativity needed to break down a well-organized Newcastle defense.
The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, sidelined with injury, was glaring. His ability to dictate play and create chances from deep was sorely missed. His stand-in, Jarell Quansah, performed admirably but lacked the attacking threat that Alexander-Arnold provides. Newcastle were content to let Quansah have the ball, knowing he posed little danger.
Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz failed to deliver. Salah, who has been in scintillating form this season, was effectively neutralized by Newcastle’s defense. He managed just 23 touches and failed to record a shot or create a chance for the first time in 392 appearances for the club. Jota, who has been struggling for form, was anonymous, while Diaz’s early-season spark has long since faded.
Slot Outmaneuvered by Howe
One of the hallmarks of Slot’s tenure at Liverpool has been his tactical flexibility and ability to make game-changing substitutions. However, on Sunday, he was outthought by Eddie Howe. Newcastle’s game plan was clear from the outset: exploit Liverpool’s vulnerabilities in the air and from set pieces.
The first goal came from a corner, with Dan Burn rising above Mac Allister to power home a header. Slot defended his zonal marking system, but the mismatch was evident. The second goal, scored by Alexander Isak after Andy Robertson was caught out at the far post, further highlighted Liverpool’s defensive frailties.
Slot’s substitutions came too late, with Liverpool already 2-0 down by the time Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott entered the fray. While they provided a spark, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Federico Chiesa, who came on as a substitute, scored a late consolation goal, but it was too little, too late.
An Over-Reliance on Salah
Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s talisman this season, with 32 goals and 22 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. However, his quiet performance at Wembley exposed Liverpool’s over-reliance on the Egyptian. When Salah is neutralized, as he was by Newcastle, the onus falls on others to step up. On Sunday, no one did.
Diogo Jota, who has been out of form for weeks, was lucky to start the game. He completed just four of his 10 passes and has now gone 10 games without a goal. Luis Diaz, who started the season in fine form, has just one goal in his last 18 appearances. Darwin Nunez, introduced as a substitute, failed to make an impact, while Cody Gakpo looked rusty after a recent injury.
A Reality Check for Liverpool
Slot tried to put a positive spin on the result, pointing to Liverpool’s commanding lead in the Premier League. “It was a tough week, but we extended our lead in the league to 12 points. Even Liverpool can lose football games,” he said.
While that is true, losing a final in such a meek manner is unacceptable for a club of Liverpool’s ambitions. This was a performance that laid bare the team’s vulnerabilities and raised questions about their ability to perform under pressure.
As Liverpool regroup during the international break, Slot must address these issues quickly. The Premier League title remains within their grasp, but Sunday’s defeat served as a stark reminder that even the best teams can falter when it matters most.
