Liam Delap could make his Chelsea return ahead of schedule in next week's League Cup meeting with Wolves, manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday.

The striker was not expected to be back in action until November or even December after sustaining a hamstring injury in August, but that schedule has been revised.

Delap, 22, has played just three Premier League games for Chelsea since signing for the club from Ipswich in June in a £30 million ($40 million) deal and is yet to score a top-flight goal.

"Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time," said Maresca, whose team host Sunderland on Saturday.

"He's not going to be available for tomorrow's game but probably for the next one.

"The schedule can change a little bit – it depends how they improve or get worse. First time they said he could be available for October 25 but today is October 24. (Next week) he can be available."

Maresca has used a number of forwards in Delap's absence, including fellow new recruit Joao Pedro and academy graduate Tyrique George.

Teenage striker Marc Guiu was recalled from Sunderland following Delap's injury and he scored his first goal of the season in Wednesday's 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax, though Maresca said he is only now getting what he expects from the 19-year-old.

"I had a chat with Marc two weeks ago. I told him that the way he was training I didn't like and he needs to change," he said. "He changed and he got a chance (against Ajax). Easy like that.

"He was not training well. In all ways. I don't know (why). Young players, sometimes you need to go slowly, slowly with them. Since we chatted, he's top, he's fantastic, he's working very good.

"Absolutely he's ready to start."

Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League after two straight wins, five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Eberechi Eze scored his first goal for Arsenal in their 2-0 League Cup win over Port Vale on Wednesday and manager Mikel Arteta said the attacking midfielder will deliver more "magic moments" when he clicks with his new teammates.

Eze, signed from Crystal Palace for a reported £68 million ($91.52 million) last month, opened the scoring against the third-tier side in the eighth minute with a deft side-footed finish before Leandro Trossard killed the game off late on.

💬 "It means everything, they know what they mean to us."

Eze praises our 3,000 travelling supporters and their impact on the team 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 24, 2025

Arteta said Eze had been calm and comfortable in possession against a well-organised side.

"He played very centrally against a team that's obviously with a 5-4-1, they are super compact inside, it's not easy to find spaces but he's very capable with the ball," Arteta told reporters.

"He still needs a little more time with those guys to understand the timings, especially the things that he needs to do.

"Then actions like that will be more consistent and better for us. In general, very good - there is still a lot more to give ...,

"At the end, what we want to do with him is to get him in positions, in spaces, that he can create his magic moments and the difference in the team."

Arsenal, who host Brighton in the next round, visit Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Eberechi Eze scored his first Arsenal goal as the Gunners beat Port Vale 2-0 to reach the League Cup fourth round, alongside Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle on Wednesday.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was able to exhibit the strength in depth of his squad as Eze, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were among the nine changes from Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

Eze has made an impressive start after his move from Crystal Palace last month that could be worth up to £68 million ($92 million).

The England international slotted in from Myles Lewis-Skelly's flick to give Arsenal the perfect start after just eight minutes.

However, the visitors were unable to build on that advantage despite dominating the game.

Devante Cole, son of former Manchester United striker Andy Cole, came closest to a shock equaliser for Vale when his strike flew just over the bar.

Leandro Trossard finally killed the tie off with a powerful and precise finish into the bottom corner five minutes from time.

FODEN BACK TO HIS BEST

Phil Foden was City's key man with a goal and assist as they beat Huddersfield 2-0.

Foden has shown signs in recent weeks of rediscovering the form that made him the Premier League player of the year two seasons ago.

The England midfielder arrowed in a low drive to give the visitors the lead after 18 minutes.

Erling Haaland was among those given the night off as Pep Guardiola made nine changes.

The Norwegian's lethal finishing was missed as City had to wait until 15 minutes from time to make the tie safe when Savinho blasted in Foden's pass from a narrow angle.

Holders Newcastle struck twice in two minutes early on against Bradford as the League One leaders were beaten 4-1 at St. James' Park.

Joelinton and William Osula both struck twice for the Magpies.

Tottenham also got the job done inside the opening 20 minutes in a 3-0 victory over Doncaster.

Joao Palhinha's overhead kick opened the scoring before Jay McGrath turned into his own goal after just 17 minutes.

Spurs had to wait until stoppage time for their third when Brennan Johnson raced through to net his third goal of the season.

Hugo Ekitike has apologised to Liverpool fans after he was sent off for removing his shirt following his late League Cup winner against Southampton - a celebration labelled "stupid" by manager Arne Slot.

The 23-year-old new signing slid home Federico Chiesa's pass five minutes from time to seal a 2-1 win over second-tier Southampton as Liverpool produced another late show at Anfield on Tuesday.

The France forward had replaced £125 million ($168 million) British-record signing Alexander Isak at half-time after the Sweden international opened his account for the club.

Ekitike's first involvement was to be booked for punching the ball away in frustration.

Shea Charles equalised but Ekitike scored the winner in the 85th minute -- wheeling away to the corner flag and removing his shirt before holding it up for the cameras.

Referee Thomas Bramall had no option but to issue a second caution followed by a red card, meaning the forward will be suspended for the Premier League leaders' trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

A shame-faced Ekitike, who signed for the club in July for £69 million, said he had got carried away.

"I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup (League Cup) match," he posted on Instagram.

"The emotion got the better of me tonight," he added. "My apologies to all the Red family."

Liverpool manager Slot was distinctly unimpressed, labelling Ekitike's behaviour in the third-round tie "needless" and "stupid".

"I told him that if you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it in the top corner I can maybe understand," he said.

"He is like, 'This is all about me, what did I do'?

"But I am old-fashioned, I'm 47 and old. I never played at this level but did score a few goals and if I scored a goal like this, I'd have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and said: 'This goal is all about you, this is not about me'."

Ekitike has started the season well, with three goals in five Premier League games.

But he is locked in a battle for a forward slot with Isak and can ill afford to miss games, with the Swede eager to make his mark.

Alexander Isak scored his first Liverpool goal to inspire a 2-1 win against Southampton in the League Cup third round, while Chelsea survived a scare to beat third-tier Lincoln on Tuesday.

Isak was making his third appearance for Liverpool since his British record £125 million ($169 million) move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.

The 26-year-old had drawn a blank in his 58-minute debut appearance against Atletico Madrid and also failed to net after coming off the bench for the last 23 minutes of Saturday's Merseyside derby win over Everton.

But Isak got off the mark in the 43nd minute as Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy tried a short pass that was intercepted by Federico Chiesa, who picked out the Sweden striker to fire home.

Alexander Isak could not have wished for an easier chance ⚽💥

📺 Stream #CarabaoCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/9exk1a16Fc

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 23, 2025

It was a belated birthday present for Isak, who turned 26 on Sunday.

Isak, who had scored for Newcastle in their League Cup final win against Liverpool last season, was taken off at halftime as he builds up his fitness after missing pre-season training while his transfer was being negotiated.

Alexander Isak opens his Liverpool account 🇸🇪🔴

📺 Stream #CarabaoCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/BH3whllR0f

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 23, 2025

Shea Charles equalised for the Championship side in the 76th minute with a close-range finish after a wayward header from Liverpool's Wataru Endo.

Arne Slot had made 11 changes from the Everton game but substitute Hugo Ekitike saved Liverpool's understudies from a penalty shoot-out when he finished off Chiesa's pass in the 85th minute.

The French striker took off his shirt to celebrate and was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

54' Yellow card for throwing the ball away 🟨
85' Scores the winner for Liverpool ⚽
86' Second yellow for taking his shirt off 🟥

What a crazy half from Hugo Ekitike 😅#SSFootball | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/1LspPQOOn0

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 23, 2025

Liverpool have made a perfect start to the season, with seven successive wins, including five in the Premier League to take them to the top of the table and one in the Champions League against Atletico.

CHELSEA SURVIVE

Chelsea were in danger of a humiliating exit after boss Enzo Maresca made eight changes following the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.

In their first meeting with Chelsea since 1911, Lincoln took the lead thanks to a Blues blunder in the 42nd minute.

Tuesday night's results in the #CarabaoCup 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/kPstKN1pYB

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 23, 2025

Enzo Fernandez's careless pass inside his own penalty area was intercepted by Ivan Varfolomeev before it reached the dawdling Malo Gusto.

Varfolomeev headed on to Rob Street and he guided a composed finish past Filip Jorgensen from 12 yards.

Chelsea had lost their last two games against United and Bayern Munich.

But Tyrique George got them back on track three minutes into the second half with a half-volley that crashed in off the post.

Tyrique George thunders it in 🔵🚀

📺 Stream #CarabaoCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/pyJBKPz90Y

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 23, 2025

Facundo Buonanotte put Maresca's men in front after 50 minutes, dancing through the Lincoln defence before slotting home.

Burnley crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat against third-tier Cardiff at Turf Moor.

Clarets boss Scott Parker paid the price for changing his entire team from last weekend's game against Nottingham Forest.

Cardiff's Joel Colwill prodded home in the 30th minute and Callum Robinson bagged the visitors' second five minutes later.

Zian Flemming's 56th-minute reply wasn't enough to spare Burnley's blushes.

Wolves lifted the gloom around Molineux with a 2-0 win against Everton.

Vitor Pereira's team sit bottom of the Premier League after losing all five of their top-flight games.

Marshall Munetsi put Wolves ahead with a 29th-minute tap-in.

Marshall Munetsi 🇿🇼✨

His goal is the difference between Wolves and Everton at half-time 🐺⚽

📺 Stream #CarabaoCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/EV9XX1imbY

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 23, 2025

Toluwalase Arokodare chipped home Wolves' second in the 87th minute as they avenged a 3-2 defeat against Everton in the Premier League in August.

Diego Gomez scored four times as Brighton thrashed third-division Barnsley 6-0 at Oakwell.

Emile Smith Rowe's 66th-minute goal sent Fulham through with a 1-0 win against fourth-tier Cambridge at Craven Cottage.

Ange Postecoglou suffered his second successive defeat since taking over as Nottingham Forest manager as his side conceded twice in stoppage time to lose 3-2 at second-tier Swansea City in the League Cup third round despite leading 2-0 on Wednesday.

The Australian, who replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground this month, looked stunned as Cameron Burgess fired home in the 97th minute to send the home fans wild.

Forest had controlled the opening half with Igor Jesus scoring twice – his first in the 14th minute when he fired in at the far post after a ball rebounded into his path and the second just before the break after a flowing move.

There was no hint of the drama to come for most of the second half on a rainy south Wales night but Swansea got a lifeline with just over 20 minutes remaining as Burgess found space to head in from a corner.

Slovenian substitute Zan Vipotnik then levelled in the third minute of stoppage time and Forest could not even get to a penalty shoot-out as Burgess pounced after Ethan Galbraith's piledriver came back off the crossbar.

You have to love a 90+7 minute goal! 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/iwqDKws8rQ

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) September 17, 2025

Postecoglou's side have now conceded six goals in his two games after his Forest reign began with a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

Had Forest's Arnaud Kalimuendo's effort not been ruled offside shortly before Swansea's first goal, the visitors would have cruised into the hat for the fourth round.

Postecoglou said they paid the price for thinking the tie was all over.

"I just thought it was a game we really should have killed off long before it got to the stage that it did," the former Tottenham Hotspur manager said. "I got the sense we were getting a bit comfortable and thought the game would finish off easily.

"But that's not what happens, particularly in cup football. "I was just frustrated that we didn't realise the danger that could have developed by not being more clinical."

Aston Villa ended their goal drought but their poor start to the season continued as they were knocked out of the League Cup by top-flight rivals Brentford on penalties on Tuesday after the third-round tie had ended 1-1.

Harvey Elliott, who joined from Liverpool on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day, put Villa ahead in the 43rd minute, his side's first goal of the season.

Aaron Hickey's first goal for Brentford levelled the tie in the 57th minute although Villa will feel they should have spared themselves penalties by winning in normal time.

As it was the hosts won 4-2 on penalties as keeper Hakon Valdimarsson saved spot kicks from John McGinn and Matty Cash.

Crystal Palace also needed penalties to get past second-tier London rivals Millwall for whom Ryan Leonard scored a last-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.

Chris Richards had given Palace the lead.

Fourth-tier Grimsby Town, conquerors of Manchester United in the previous round, continued their adventure as they won 1-0 at struggling Championship side Sheffield Wednesday thanks to a headed goal by Jaze Kabia.

Grimsby are in the fourth round for the first time since 2001-02.

Grimsby Town's unforgettable League Cup second round triumph over Manchester United has come with a £20 000 fine for fielding an ineligible player.

Fourth-tier Grimsby stunned United by eliminating them on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time last week.

However, the EFL said on Tuesday that midfielder Clarke Oduor, who had joined on loan from Bradford City the previous day, was registered one minute past the deadline.

Grimsby reported the error themselves, saying the breach was unintentional.

"The registration of Oduor was submitted at 12:01 due to a computer issue, which wasn't immediately spotted," the club said in a statement. "We accept the fine and fully recognise the importance of following competition rules."

The club must pay £10 000 now, with the remaining 10 000 suspended until the end of the season.

"We acted swiftly and transparently, and we're committed to the highest professional standards," the club said.

Grimsby face Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the third round.

Manchester United suffered an embarrassing League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby on Wednesday, losing 12-11 in a marathon penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

League Two side Grimsby led 2-0 with just 15 minutes to play thanks to goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren.

Bryan Mbeumo had sparked a late rally from the Red Devils with his first goal for the club, but the Cameroonian missed the decisive spot-kick to pile more pressure on under-fire United boss Ruben Amorim.

You had to see it to believe it 🤯

Grimsby Town defeat Man Utd 12-11 on penalties to advance to round three of the #CarabaoCup 🎯#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/l1bLpV96fq

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 27, 2025

The Portuguese coach was already facing scrutiny after a winless start to United's Premier League season.

The 20-time English champions finished 15th last season in their worst league campaign since being relegated in 1974.

Now one of their only two realistic shots at a trophy this season has disappeared in one of the worst results in the club's history.

Amorim made eight changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday, but still named a side that cost hundreds of millions of pounds, packed full of internationals.

Benjamin Sesko made his first United start after a £74 million move from RB Leipzig, while Andre Onana returned on a night to forget for the United goalkeeper.

Grimsby had been waiting for a visit from United since 1948 and roared out the blocks to fully deserve their two-goal half-time lead.

Vernam fired a low powerful effort past Onana at his near post on 22 minutes to the delight of most of the 9,000 capacity crowd at Blundell Park.

The hosts continued to make a mockery of the three-division gap between the sides.

Cameron Gardner had the ball in the net but was denied a second for a handball.

Yet, moments later Grimsby did double their lead when Onana failed to claim a corner and Warren gratefully tapped in.

Onana's poor evening may hasten United's rumoured move for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the final days of the transfer window.

Amorim responded at half-time by throwing on captain Bruno Fernandes, Mbeumo and Matthijs de Ligt for a rescue mission.

Despite United's dominance of the second period, they were lacking inspiration until Mbeumo took aim and curled into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Harry Maguire has been forced forward as a makeshift striker at times during Amorim's troubled reign and looked to have come up with a huge moment for his manager in the 89th minute as the England international headed in Mason Mount's corner.

Sesko then skied an incredible chance to win the tie five minutes into stoppage time, ensuring penalties were needed.

Matheus Cunha had the chance to win the shootout at 4-4, but his effort was saved by Christy Pym.

After 15 more successful spot-kicks, including from both goalkeepers, Mbeumo hit the bar to seal United's fate.

Never underestimate Blundell Park, it’s a magical place! #GTFC pic.twitter.com/2loeCPG5hk

— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) August 27, 2025

THIS GROUP! 🔝#GTFC pic.twitter.com/buLs04W1hJ

— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) August 27, 2025

Brighton cruised into round three with a 6-0 demolition of Oxford as Stefanos Tzimas scored twice on his debut.

Fulham and Everton also progressed with 2-0 wins over Bristol City and Mansfield respectively.

Newcastle target Jorgen Strand Larsen fired Wolves to a 3-2 League Cup win over West Ham on Tuesday as Premier League Leeds and Sunderland crashed out on penalties to lower league opposition.

Wolves have reportedly rejected a £50 million bid from the Magpies for Larsen, who could prove to be a replacement for Alexander Isak.

The Norwegian was only introduced 17 minutes from time as Vitor Pereira made eight changes after losing both his side's opening two Premier League games.

Larsen produced two blistering finishes in three minutes to turn the tie around at Molineux and heap more pressure on West Ham boss Graham Potter.

Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta had given the Hammers the lead after Rodrigo Gomes put Wolves in front.

But West Ham, who have conceded eight goals in losing their opening two Premier League games, remain without a win this season.

Leeds have splashed nearly £100 million on new players after returning to the Premier League, while Sheffield Wednesday fans have worried for the club's survival as wages to players and staff have regularly been paid late.

The home fans were encouraged not to attend by the club's Supporters' Trust in a protest against club owner Dejphon Chansiri.

However, it was Wednesday who could celebrate at Hillsborough as Leeds missed all three of their penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Sunderland were also embarrassed by League One Huddersfield on spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw.

Brentford won the other all-Premier League tie of the night with a 2-0 victory at Bournemouth thanks to goals from Fabio Carvalho and Igor Thiago

Burnley needed a stoppage time winner from Oliver Sonne to beat second tier Derby 2-1.

Tens of thousands of Newcastle United fans gathered in the city on Saturday to celebrate the club's first domestic trophy in 70 years, with the streets turning a sea of black and white for the open-top bus parade.

About 150 000 people were expected to catch a glimpse of the League Cup that Newcastle lifted on March 16, after a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium.

For manager Eddie Howe, Saturday's event was an emotional moment as the city honoured him with a massive banner, unfurled outside St James' Park.

"I can't thank everyone enough, from Newcastle, the way they've embraced me and my family and I'm glad to have given them some joy," he said atop the bus that carried the team around the city.

As the bus and crowd approached the Town Moor site, white smoke blanketed the area as the crowd sang Hey Jude, replacing 'Jude' with 'Geordies', and ABBA music was played over the speakers for a party expected to last long into the night.

Newcastle United's League Cup final triumph over Liverpool was not only a landmark moment for the club, it was also a throwback to a time when English managers regularly stocked up the trophy cabinets of the country's top clubs.

Eddie Howe still has a long way to go to emulate the likes of Bob Paisley, Brian Clough, Howard Kendall and Bobby Robson, and remains something of an anomaly in the Premier League where only two of the 20 current managers are English.

But in becoming the first home coach to win one of England's top domestic honours since 2008, Howe's feat is a shot in the arm for English coaches plying their trade in the lower leagues.

Londoner Harry Redknapp, who won the 2008 FA Cup for Portsmouth and took Tottenham Hotspur into the Champions League for the first time, hopes Howe's rise changes perceptions but laments the lack of home-grown managers.

"It's sad that there's only two English managers in the Premier League," 78-year-old told reporters at Charlton Athletic's Valley during the launch of the inaugural North versus South game in which he will return to the touchline.

"It's sad that they don't get the opportunities. The only way you tend to get there now is to take a team up. In (Howe's) case, it was different."

EVERYTHING pic.twitter.com/Mt8DqA6vbO

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 16, 2025

By his own admission, the 47-year-old Howe's playing career was unremarkable.

He came through the ranks at Bournemouth where Redknapp was cutting his teeth as a manager, and made nearly 300 appearances in the lower rungs of the Football League before injury forced his retirement in 2007.

A year later, with Bournemouth in financial turmoil and heading out of the Football League, Howe became manager, led them to safety and then to promotion the following season.

After a short spell at Burnley, Howe returned to take Bournemouth to the Premier League for the first time in 2015 and kept them up against the odds for five seasons.

"Taking Bournemouth from nearly going out of the league into the Premier League, it was crazy what he achieved there really," Redknapp added.

BREAKTHROUGH ON TYNESIDE

Howe's reputation as an articulate, fiercely-driven and progressive coach attracted Newcastle in 2021, shortly after they were bought by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium.

Newcastle had managed five points from 11 games before he was appointed but he led them to safety. The following season they finished fourth and reached the Champions League.

On Sunday, Howe made sure he will enter Newcastle folklore as his side won the club's first domestic trophy for 70 years.

The BOSS. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/hdP2vz2Wlz

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 16, 2025

But could Howe's breakthrough on Tyneside persuade England's top clubs, and even the national team, to look closer to home for managers?

"You'd hope so," Redknapp said. "But it's all foreign owners now. They come in, they get brought into clubs by agents who probably recommend some manager to them.

"It's certainly getting tougher, but I think given the opportunity, there's lots of good lads out there who could do the job. But I don't know, there's such a shortage.

"When the England job came up recently, I'm wanting to see an English manager. I'll be honest, I only saw Eddie. I didn't see anybody else. I thought Eddie was the only one. No one else jumped out at me as a real candidate."

No English manager has won the Premier League title in its 33-year existence and the last time one managed to even come runner-up was Kevin Keegan, with Newcastle, in 1996.

The challenge now for Howe will be to prove that Sunday was no flash in the pan, and that he can become the trailblazer for a new generation of English coaches.

For all the millions of pounds Newcastle United have invested in an array of talent from around the globe since a Saudi Arabia-backed takeover in 2021, it was Dan Burn, born down the road in Blyth, who proved the hero to end decades of hurt on Sunday.

Brazilian captain Bruno Guimaraes was inspirational in the 2-1 League Cup final win over Liverpool, as was compatriot Joelinton who celebrated tackles like a man-possessed.

Italian Sandro Tonali oozed class and Sweden's Alexander Isak scored his 24th goal of a superb season that will afford him cult status alongside the club's former iconic forwards.

But the moment 32-year-old central defender Burn met a corner with a thumping header to put Newcastle in front on the stroke of halftime was the defining moment of a final that delivered Newcastle's first domestic silverware since 1955.

COLOSSAL BURN

Burn, a Newcastle youth product but whose career needed stops at Darlington, Fulham, Yeovil Town, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Brighton & Hove Albion before returning to the relegation-threatened Magpies in 2022, was described by manager Eddie Howe as colossal on Sunday after a fairytale week.

"I've had worse weeks. I don't want to go to sleep because I feel like I'm dreaming and it's all going to be a lie," Burn, who on Friday was given his first England call-up and on Sunday scored his first goal of the season, said.

"I don't get many (goals) so I saved it for a big occasion."

There will not be much time to celebrate though, Burn said. "I'll be first there tomorrow at 8 o'clock," he added of joining up with new England manager Thomas Tuchel's camp.

Howe was brought in soon after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund led a takeover of the club and, while the talk was of the trophies new-found wealth could deliver, his initial task was to ensure the club stayed in the Premier League.

Howe led Newcastle into last season's Champions League but defeat in the 2023 League Cup final by Manchester United meant the wait for domestic silverware had stretched to 70 years.

A 10th successive Wembley defeat would have been a crushing blow for Newcastle and their fabled Toon Army, but Howe's side comprehensively outplayed a feted Liverpool team that is running away with the Premier League.

"It's a great moment, and that's what it's all about," Howe, who was drenched in beer by his celebrating players, told reporters. "You have so many difficult days in football, and this club's had its fair share over the years.

"I'm just so pleased they (the fans) have this trophy to end the long wait and hopefully we can get some more in the future.

"Today we won it in the best way; we played a brilliant opponent, they've been the best team in the Premier League all season by a long way and, for me, we were the better team."

On home-town hero Burn scoring Newcastle's first Wembley goal for 25 years, Howe added: "What a week, what a few days for him, I thought his performance today, I thought he was colossal for us at the back. I thought it was an incredible header.

"And it's so fitting that it's him that scored that goal after a long wait for a goal at Wembley."

Arne Slot was defiant after his Liverpool side ended a miserable week with defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup final on Sunday, switching the focus to the team's Premier League charge.

The painful 2-1 loss at Wembley comes four days after the Reds exited the Champions League on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain, giving a sense of anti-climax even though they are almost certain to be crowned league champions.

Newcastle, picking up their first major trophy for 56 years and their first domestic silverware for 70 years, outmuscled Liverpool in London, winning courtesy of goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak.

Federico Chiesa pulled one back in added time but it was too little, too late for the team defending the trophy they won last year against Chelsea.

Slot was asked after the match how he would ensure the defeat would not have a knock-on effect for the rest of the season.

Liverpool, hot favourites to match Manchester United's record of 20 English top-flight titles, are 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with just nine matches to go.

"We are here in one of the biggest clubs in the world, Liverpool, but it's not for the first time in their history or in the last two seasons that they've lost two games in a row," said Slot.

"This is part of playing football, especially if one of them is when you face the best team in Europe at the moment and the other one is facing Newcastle, which is a very strong team in England."

'TOUGH WEEK'

Slot admitted it had been a "tough week" but pointed out that his side had extended their lead in the Premier League.

"I want to make clear one more time that the week started off really well by us beating Southampton," he said. "That's why we extended our lead to 12 points with nine games to go (the situation after Arsenal's 1-0 against Chelsea on Sunday).

"And, yeah, you know if you go far in tournaments that the opposition in your face gets stronger and stronger and that you can lose. Even Liverpool can lose football games. That's what can happen."

Slot denied his men had been outplayed by Eddie Howe's Newcastle despite their sub-par performance.

"Outplayed for me is if you don't touch the ball and they play through you every single time you try to press them and every time you're too late," he said. "That is for me outplayed.

"But I agree with you if you say that they deserved to win because the game went in the way they wanted it to go. So, yes, they deserved to win but it wasn't like we were only running after them.

"We had to defend a lot of long balls, second balls and that's their strength."

The Dutchman said he would rather have played again next week than go into an international break – Liverpool are next in action against Everton in the Premier League on 2 April.

"I would have loved to play next week but now the situation is that they go to their national teams where they have to play two more games again," he said.

"Then it's probably one and a half weeks before we face Everton, which is again a team we already faced and we know how difficult that one was. So let's see. I think you have to adjust."

Eddie Howe hailed his Newcastle history makers as they ended 56 "years of hurt" with a 2-1 win against Liverpool in the League Cup final on Sunday.

Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak put Newcastle in dreamland at Wembley, with Federico Chiesa's strike in the closing minutes coming too late to save the Premier League leaders.

It was Newcastle's first major trophy since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and their first significant domestic prize since lifting the FA Cup 70 years ago.

After losing the 2023 League Cup final against Manchester United, Howe admitted he was overwhelmed to finally bring silverware back to St James' Park.

"I've been emotional all day to be honest, which is very unlike me around the game day," he said.

"But we just knew what was at stake today for all the people here, all the people back in Newcastle and we just wanted to do them proud.

"We were desperate to try and win the trophy after all the years of hurt.

"We are breaking new ground, I thought we were magnificent today."

GAFFER 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Qos9RxvujM

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 16, 2025

Howe is the first English manager to win a major domestic trophy in England since Harry Redknapp lifted the 2008 FA Cup with Portsmouth.

Sixth-placed Newcastle are 23 points behind champions-elect Liverpool and hadn't beaten them in all competitions since 2015.

DYNAMIC DISPLAY

But the Magpies bridged the gap with a dynamic display that was a tribute to Howe's astute game-plan.

They took advantage of Liverpool's aerial weaknesses, launched incisive counter-attacks and pressured the lethargic Reds into submission.

"I'm so pleased not just with the result, but with the performance. I thought we deserved the win today," Howe said.

"It was tough when Liverpool scored. I was thinking about extra time. We always make it difficult for ourselves it was never going to be 2-0.

"We worked consistently for two weeks on set plays just for this game and if you had seen us in practice you would have said we had no chance.

"We couldn't believe Dan Burn scored, he didn't train like that! He was a colossus for us."

Howe out-foxed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, admitting he did not use his most effective tactics in their 2-0 loss at Anfield in February in a bid to keep some surprises in store for the final.

"We didn't want to show our hand when we played them a few weeks ago, we still wanted to win that game we just did it in a different way," he said.

"Both teams were quite direct and we dealt with that really well. Nobody wanted to make a mistake, there wasn't much pretty football played but we were effective in both boxes."

Howe's plan worked a treat and he is ready to soak up a party over 50 years in the making before focusing on Newcastle's bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.

"I want to enjoy it. I am always about tomorrow but I'll put the coaching books away for a few days," he said.

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes said Sunday's 2-1 win against mighty Liverpool in the League Cup final, which ended the club's 56-year wait for a major trophy, was the "best day of my life".

Dan Burn put Newcastle ahead late in the first half and Alexander Isak doubled their lead after the interval.

Federico Chiesa got one back in the closing minutes, but Newcastle held on for their first major silverware since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

"It's all for these fans," Guimaraes told Sky Sports. "They deserve everything. When I first came here, I said I wanted to put my name in history.

"We can now say we are the champions again. This is one of the best days of my life.

"I don't have any words. It's the best day of my life. For them (the fans) it's like the World Cup. People have grown up and not seen us as champions. My first year as captain of this club and it's one of the best days. This is unbelievable.

"This is my second home. We are making history. Some day when I leave this club I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to Shearer. He texted me before the game. I'm so emotional today."

Newcastle ended their 56-year trophy drought in stunning style as Dan Burn and Alexander Isak sealed a 2-1 win against Liverpool in the League Cup final on Sunday.

Eddie Howe's side made history at Wembley with a superb display that left the runaway Premier League leaders shell-shocked.

Burn put Newcastle ahead late in the first half and Isak's 27th goal in all competitions doubled their lead after the interval.

Federico Chiesa got one back in the closing seconds, but Newcastle held on for their first major silverware since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

It's been a 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗡𝗚 wait for the Geordies for this trophy 🥹🏆 pic.twitter.com/fULxsiHEiL

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 16, 2025

That success in the predecessor to the Europa League is a relic of a bygone era, but this long-awaited triumph will be forever etched in the memories of the Newcastle fans who turned one half of Wembley into a roiling sea of black and white with their ecstatic celebrations.

It was also Newcastle's first major domestic prize dating back 70 years to the 1955 FA Cup.

Since the Magpies lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, 30 different English teams had won silverware, while Liverpool had clinched 38 major trophies in that time.

But after losing the 2023 League Cup final against Manchester United, Howe's team returned to Wembley and set the record straight at last.

"We were well aware of the history and we wanted to do the club proud. We wanted to score, we wanted to perform and we wanted to win," Howe said.

"We are breaking new ground. I thought we were magnificent today."

Newcastle had endured five relegations to the second tier since their last trophy, with club legends like Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne and Malcolm MacDonald failing to win silverware in their time on Tyneside.

Aside from a brief period when Kevin Keegan's self-styled "entertainers" challenged for the title in the 1990s, Newcastle have endured decades of underachievement and self-inflicted wounds that rendered them a laughing stock for long periods.

All that changed in 2021 when a Saudi-backed consortium completed a takeover from unpopular owner Mike Ashley and quickly hired Howe as their manager.

Thanks to Howe's astute leadership and the Saudi financial backing, Newcastle have been transformed from relegation candidates to silverware winners.

The defeat was another painful blow for Liverpool just days after their Champions League last 16 exit on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain.

But despite failing to win their first trophy under boss Arne Slot, Liverpool still sit 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League, within touching distance of a record-equalling 20th English title.

"It's a very disappointing result. The game went the way Newcastle wanted it. They deserved to win. We were out-played in their style. They won more aerial duels than us," Slot said.

HISTORY FOR NEWCASTLE

Liverpool are 23 points ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle in the league and hadn't lost to them for 17 games dating back to 2015.

But Howe's men were in no mood to be cowed by past failures

Newcastle fans unveiled a banner before kick-off urging their team to "write your name in the history books".

They rose to the challenge in spectacular fashion, snapping into tackles and counter-attacking with purpose, while Liverpool were sluggish and sloppy in possession.

Newcastle's desire and drive was clear to see when Joelinton tracked back from midfield to stop Jarell Quansah in his tracks and celebrated with a fist-pumping roar.

Despite nearly being caught out by Burn's aerial prowess earlier in the game, Liverpool failed to heed the warning as the towering centre-back put Newcastle ahead in the 45th minute.

Bizarrely left unmarked, with only the diminutive Alex Mac Allister anywhere near him, Burn was allowed to rise unchallenged to meet Kieran Tripper's corner as he thumped a powerful header into far corner from 12 yards.

Burn's goal – Newcastle's first in a cup final since 1976 – capped an incredible week for the journeyman centre-back, who received his first England call-up on Friday.

Alexis Mac Allister at 1.76m marking Dan Burn who stands at 2.01m before the first Newcastle goal 😬 pic.twitter.com/o7gMC0HLW3

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 16, 2025

With Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah completely anonymous, the lethargic Reds had no answer as Isak put Newcastle into dreamland after 52 minutes.

Newcastle dominated in the air again as Jacob Murphy met Tino Livramento's cross with a header that found Isak, who drilled a superb first-time finish past Caoimhin Kelleher from 10 yards.

Chiesa's stoppage-time strike set up an anxious finale, but good things comes to those who wait.

And all across Wembley, Newcastle players and fans celebrated with abandon as a party over half a century in the making got into full swing.

Liverpool can win the first trophy of the Arne Slot era in Sunday's League Cup final against a Newcastle side desperate to end the club's 56-year wait for major silverware.

In the first final of the English domestic season, runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool head to Wembley aiming to erase the bitter taste of their Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

The Reds were beaten 4-1 on penalties by PSG in the last 16 second leg at Anfield.

It was a rare blow in what has been a successful first season in charge for Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord to succeed Jurgen Klopp last year.

The weekend is here! 😍#EFL | #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/jmhU2Gm9i9

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) March 14, 2025

Sitting 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Reds are within touching distance of a record-equalling 20th English title and their first since 2020.

That will be the culmination of Slot's seamless transition to life with Liverpool.

But first the Dutchman has his sights set on putting yet another League Cup in the Anfield trophy cabinet.

Liverpool, who beat Chelsea in last season's final, have won the League Cup a record 10 times and are looking to lift the trophy for a third time in four years.

"You play games like this to win it, and that's what we're going to try to do," said Slot, who will be without injured right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

"It's a chance to make history"...@NUFC head coach Eddie Howe's thoughts ahead of the #CarabaoCupFinal ⚫️⚪️#EFL

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) March 14, 2025

"We're really looking forward to it because you cannot take a final for granted, especially not in this country with so many good teams."

Slot, who will be making his first ever visit to Wembley, hopes Liverpool can recover quickly from having their treble bid shattered by PSG.

"It's a great occasion to be in and especially after losing against Paris Saint-Germain. It's maybe the perfect game," he said.

CHANCE TO MAKE HISTORY

Aside from a brief period when Kevin Keegan's team challenged for the title in the 1990s, Newcastle have endured decades of underachievement and self-inflicted wounds that rendered them a laughing stock for long periods.

All that changed in 2021 when a Saudi-backed consortium completed a takeover from unpopular owner Mike Ashley and quickly made the decision to hire Eddie Howe as their manager.

"You can't take a Final for granted"...@LFC head coach Arne Slot has been speaking ahead of Sunday's #CarabaoCupFinal 🔴⚪️#EFL

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) March 14, 2025

Newcastle have been transformed from relegation candidates to contenders for silverware, with a Champions League appearance in 2023-24 underlining their revival.

However, Newcastle are still waiting to win their first major trophy since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – the predecessor to the Europa League.

The Magpies' last significant domestic prize was the 1955 FA Cup and they have lost a combined five finals in that competition and the League Cup since then.

They have never won the League Cup, most recently losing the 2023 final against Manchester United.

Since the Magpies lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, 30 different English teams have won silverware, while Liverpool have clinched 38 major trophies in that time, including an FA Cup final success against Newcastle in the clubs' last showpiece meeting in 1974.

With the weight of history against them, Howe has urged his players to embrace the chance to become Newcastle legends by ending their trophy drought.

"We want to break that wait for a trophy. It's not a negative, he said.

"We're trying to look at it the other way round, it's the chance to make history and be remembered positively."

Liverpool eased to a 2-0 win in their most recent Premier League clash with Newcastle in February.

And the Magpies' task is made even harder by the absence of suspended England forward Anthony Gordon and injured defenders Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.

But Howe is confident Newcastle will not freeze in front of a sell-out crowd and a television audience of millions around the world.

"We've stayed competitive, in the main, in big games," he said. "Our style, we have adaptability, but also we have a clear method."

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is a huge doubt for the League Cup final against Newcastle United this weekend after sustaining an injury in Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 loss to Paris St Germain, manager Arne Slot said.

PSG beat Liverpool 4-1 on penalties at Anfield to reach the quarterfinals after winning the second-leg 1-0.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, was replaced by Jarell Quansah in the 73rd minute, with British media reporting he had suffered an ankle injury.

"(Trent) had to come off. That’s never a good sign,” Slot said.

"And from what I heard from people that saw the images or how he got injured, it did not look very good. So I would be surprised if he is available for Sunday."

Centre back Ibrahima Konate limped off in the second half of extra time but Slot said that was probably due to fatigue.

Alexander-Arnold's injury would also be a blow for England, who host Albania on March 21 and Latvia three days later in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak limped off in their last match against Brighton & Hove Albion but manager Eddie Howe played down fears of an injury and has said the Swede should be available for the League Cup final against Liverpool.

The 25-year-old Sweden international's availability is a huge relief for Newcastle, who are pushing for a European spot and have the chance to win their first major trophy since 1955 when they face holders Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 16.

Newcastle were already set to be without Anthony Gordon after the winger received a red card for violent conduct in their 2-1 home loss by Brighton in the FA Cup fifth-round on Sunday, as well as defenders Lewis Hall and Sven Botman through injury.

"Alex is fine. Sunday, when he came off, he was feeling a bit fatigued towards the end of the game, some tightness in his body, so we withdrew him. He has trained every day and he's good," Howe told reporters on Friday.

"Fingers crossed, yeah," he replied when asked if Isak could play Monday's Premier League game at West Ham United and the League Cup final. "If he is fit, he will play because that is the best way to get him in the best physical condition for future games.

"Footballers are finely tuned athletes and when they are ready to play they have to play. You have to give them that opportunity."

Despite being under contract until 2028, Isak, who has scored 22 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions this season for Newcastle, has been linked with a move to top European clubs including fellow Premier League clubs Liverpool and Arsenal.

Newcastle are sixth in the Premier League standings, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City after 27 matches.

"I understand the intense sort of speculation and spotlight on him, but the best thing we can do is just relax and let him play his football," Howe said.