Newcastle win EFL Cup over Liverpool: How the Magpies played the men and not the moment on historic day

Eddie Howe's side ended a decades-long trophy drought in style on Sunday

LONDON -- Two years ago on this stage, the occasion had gotten to Newcastle, as it would any others in their first major final for a generation, bidding to end a lifetime's agony for their supporters. Not this time. On this day, Newcastle played the men, not the moment.

That those in red were found wanting, utterly spent from Tuesday night, will barely qualify as a footnote to history on Tyneside, the first major trophy most in Wembley's scarf-aloft West Stand will have seen Newcastle win. It was done so in the fashion that makes this team such a hellacious opponent for the Premier League's best.

From the outset, Newcastle ran harder, defended in greater numbers and attacked with more physicality than their opponents. For all the riches that their Saudi owners have lavished on their playing staff -- and those scarves gifted by Sela were a reminder that this will be a soft power triumph for PIF along with an unforgettable day for supporters -- Newcastle are absolutely prepared to line up in the nastiest mid-block they can find. Think you can find a way through three giant midfielders or around fullbacks perfectly prepared to stretch the laws of the game? Best of luck.