Liverpool fell to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with the Magpies emerging victorious thanks to dominant performances across the pitch. The battle was largely won in midfield, where Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães controlled proceedings, preventing Liverpool from gaining any rhythm or control.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Caoimhín Kelleher (GK) – Struggled to impose himself and lacked assurance, though he could not be faulted for the goals, which were more the result of defensive lapses. 6/10
Jarell Quansah (RB) – Played out of position at right-back and did his best, but was clearly not a suitable replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold or Conor Bradley. 6
Ibrahima Konaté (CB) – Displayed good reading of the game to deny Alexander Isak early on but was caught napping for Newcastle’s second goal. 6
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – Calm and composed as usual, but his leadership alone was not enough to prevent a disappointing defeat. 6
Andy Robertson (LB) – Struggled to make an impact and was ineffective going forward. His failure to challenge for a header allowed Newcastle to set up their second goal. 5
Ryan Gravenberch (CM) – Looked lost in midfield and was unable to keep up with Newcastle’s intensity. 4
Alexis Mac Allister (CM) – Given no time on the ball, which hindered Liverpool’s attempts to build play. 4
Mohamed Salah (RW) – Isolated on the right wing, rarely involved in attacking phases, and unable to change the game. 5
Dominik Szoboszlai (ACM) – Anonymous throughout and failed to provide any creative spark. 4
Luis Díaz (LW) – His speed and skill were nullified by Newcastle’s organized defense, limiting his impact. 5
Diogo Jota (ST) – Worked hard but never truly threatened Newcastle’s backline. 5
Substitutes
Darwin Núñez (for Jota 57’) 5
Curtis Jones (for Konaté 57’) 7
Cody Gakpo (for Mac Allister 67’) 6
Federico Chiesa (for Gravenberch 73’) 6
Harvey Elliott (for Díaz 73’) 5
Newcastle (4-3-3)
Nick Pope (GK) – Had little to do but remained alert, coming off his line well to sweep up danger. 7
Kieran Trippier (RB) – A disciplined and committed performance. His precise delivery from set-pieces posed problems for Liverpool. 7
Fabian Schär (CB) – Dominant in defense, giving Liverpool’s attackers little space to work with. 8
Dan Burn (CB) – Used his size and strength effectively, particularly against Salah. Scored a powerful header to give Newcastle the lead. 9
Tino Livramento (LB) – Produced a perfect cross for Newcastle’s second goal and was a constant presence up and down the flank. 8
Bruno Guimarães (CM) – Commanded the midfield, winning back possession frequently and initiating attacks. 9
Sandro Tonali (CM) – Maintained composure amid the high tempo of the game, linking play effectively. 7
Joelinton (CM) – Set the tone with aggressive pressing and strong challenges. Also played a key role in lifting the team’s spirit. 9
Jacob Murphy (RW) – Showed greater determination than his opponents and set up the second goal with sharp movement and awareness. 7
Alexander Isak (ST) – Took time to find space but was clinical when the opportunity came. His goal was a reward for relentless work. 8
Harvey Barnes (LW) – Caused constant problems with his direct running, pressing, and energy on the left flank. 8
Substitutes
Callum Wilson (for Isak 81’) 6
Joe Willock (for Barnes 81’) 6
Emil Krafth (for Murphy 90’) n/a
Newcastle’s superior midfield presence and defensive organization ensured their triumph, as Liverpool struggled to respond to the physicality and intensity of the Magpies.
