Not long ago, it seemed Newcastle United could be destined for a mid-table Premier League finish, but now the Magpies are now firmly in the Champions League picture for next season after a 4-1 win over Manchester United on April 13.
Eddie Howe’s team were on fire despite their boss being absent, having been diagnosed with pneumonia.
Following the win, BBC pundit Pat Nevin said: “I give that more than a good win. I think I saw something different in Newcastle United.
"I am struggling to see how Newcastle United don’t get a top five now and I wouldn’t have said that before the cup final," he added.
A top five finish would mean a return to the Champions League for Newcastle, who were knocked out in the group stage the last time they appeared in the competition in the 2023/24 season.
That League Cup final against Liverpool was the spark that ignited this whole run as after 56 long years of trophy drought the Magpies finally gave their fans something to cheer. Dan Burn and Alexander Isak delivered the goals that helped Newcastle to a 2-1 win over Liverpool that had half of Wembley going mad.
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The Carabao Cup win didn’t just end the 56-year wait for silverware but it seems to have really lit a fire under the team. Their Premier League form has also significantly improved and a win against Crystal Palace later today (April 16) will send them to 3rd with just six games left.
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