Published: 22:07, 29 October 2025 | Updated: 22:07, 29 October 2025

The Carabao Cup has a way of energising Newcastle’s seasons, but it’s the fizzy stuff at the end of it they’re addicted to now.

That is why this victory was roared home with even greater relish than the recent wins over Benfica and Fulham, completing a trilogy of home triumphs across the Champions League, Premier League and the competition for which they are holders.

Over four campaigns they have lost just once in the Carabao Cup from 19 matches, and that was defeat in the final in 2023. They corrected that in February with victory over Liverpool at Wembley.

This has become Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s favourite platform. After 70 years waiting for a domestic trophy, those bubbles can be intoxicating.

But it’s not just the road to Wembley that keeps them motoring, it’s the knowledge that Champions League qualification has ran parallel to both of their appearances in the final. There is something about a cup run in these parts that stokes the imagination. It acts like a page-turner, maintaining intrigue, interest...