Pat Nevin talking about Newcastle United beating Liverpool

Pat Nevin, the former Chelsea and Everton winger, has shared his thoughts on Newcastle United’s historic Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool at Wembley, describing it as a moment that transcends the ordinary.

A regular presence at St. James’ Park, where he covers Newcastle matches for the media, Nevin has a deep appreciation for the club and its passionate fanbase. Reflecting on Sunday’s triumph, he painted a vivid picture of why this victory was so much more than just another cup final.

Nevin began by emphasizing the rarity of cup finals that leave a lasting impression. “Unless you support a particular team involved, some cup finals can soon be forgotten,” he said.

“But the Carabao Cup final at the weekend will not be one of those. This was instant history that will endure. There was folklore being written and magic being created in front of our eyes.”

He recalled predicting in his newsletter that this would be the most important week in Newcastle’s history for decades, and the events that unfolded—a league win at West Ham followed by the Carabao Cup triumph—proved him right. Nevin even suggested that Eddie Howe’s achievements could one day earn him a statue outside St. James’ Park, urging fans to “go out and buy that chisel now.”

What made this victory so special, according to Nevin, was the story behind it. Newcastle’s long wait for a major trophy, stretching back 70 years, added layers of emotion and significance to the occasion.

The fact that they were underdogs against a formidable Liverpool side only heightened the drama. Local hero Dan Burn’s unforgettable header, though not the winning goal, became the iconic moment of the match, crystallizing the day into something truly unique.

However, Nevin argued that the intangible elements of the victory were what made it extraordinary. He pointed to the unwavering loyalty of Newcastle’s supporters, past and present, as the heart and soul of the club.

“That Geordie army stayed passionate and dedicated to the club after all those years of desperate, unrequited longing for a trophy,” he said. Even in moments of heartbreak, such as previous cup final defeats, Newcastle fans have remained steadfast, staying behind to cheer their team and share in their sorrow.

Nevin contrasted this with the behavior of other fanbases, noting that the Liverpool end of Wembley emptied almost immediately after the final whistle, a scene he believes would be replicated by most “big” clubs. Newcastle fans, he asserted, are different.

Nevin also touched on the broader significance of the win, highlighting that while the club now has wealthy Middle Eastern owners, the true essence of Newcastle United lies with its fans.

“The celebrations in the wider football world have been for Newcastle United’s true ‘owners,’ the fans who have followed them and who represent the best of what supporting a football club should be,” he said.

Their passion, resilience, and dedication embody the spirit of the game, and their joy at finally ending the trophy drought was a reminder of the profound connection between a club and its community.

For Nevin, this victory was more than just a trophy—it was a celebration of perseverance, unity, and the enduring power of football to inspire. The scenes at Wembley, with the Geordie army singing and celebrating long after the final whistle, encapsulated the unique bond between Newcastle United and its supporters.

As the celebrations continue, the significance of this moment will only grow, serving as a symbol of hope and a testament to the club’s bright future. For the fans who have waited so long, this was a moment they will cherish forever, a reward for decades of loyalty and a sign of even greater things to come.