By the time Arne Slot and his players trudged up to collect their runners-up medals, Liverpool’s section of Wembley was nearly empty. Their fans had seen enough. This wasn’t just a defeat, it was one of their worst performances in a major final this century.
Newcastle United didn’t just win the Carabao Cup; they dominated every aspect of the game. The 2-1 scoreline flattered Liverpool, masking a performance devoid of energy, creativity, and fight.
After a season filled with optimism, back-to-back losses have suddenly cast doubt over Liverpool’s momentum. The Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain was heartbreaking but forgivable. This? This was inexcusable.
Yet, despite the disappointment, Liverpool remain in a commanding position in the Premier League, 12 points clear with nine games to play. Winning the title would still mark a fantastic debut season for Slot. But Sunday’s defeat cannot simply be ignored.
So, how did Liverpool collapse so spectacularly on the big stage?
Fatigue or Lack of Fight?
Liverpool looked drained, physically and mentally. The intense two-legged battle against PSG had clearly taken its toll, and Slot’s decision to stick with virtually the same lineup backfired. Nine of the ten outfield players at Wembley had started both games against the French giants.
Slot tried to freshen things up by giving his squad a break on Thursday, but it made little difference. Newcastle bullied Liverpool in duels, winning 57% of the battles. If fatigue wasn’t the issue, then Liverpool’s lack of aggression is even more concerning.
Ryan Gravenberch, who has played almost double the minutes he did last season, struggled. So did Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who were physically overwhelmed in midfield.
No Control, No Creativity
Liverpool had 66% possession, but it was meaningless. They failed to dictate the game, lacked composure, and created little. By halftime, they had managed just two touches inside Newcastle’s box. They didn’t even test goalkeeper Nick Pope until Curtis Jones forced a save in the 59th minute.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, Liverpool lacked a creative spark. His replacement, Jarell Quansah, defended well but couldn’t offer the same range of passing. Newcastle were happy to let him have the ball, knowing he wouldn’t hurt them.
Slot, who has often made smart tactical tweaks this season, seemed to have no answers. Liverpool’s defending on set pieces was poor, with Dan Burn overpowering Mac Allister for the opener. The warning signs were there, but Liverpool failed to react.
Over-Reliance on Salah
Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s savior all season, but when he was nullified at Wembley, nobody else stepped up. The Egyptian had just 23 touches and failed to register a shot or key pass, a rarity in his Liverpool career.
Diogo Jota, struggling for form, missed Liverpool’s only real first-half chance. He has now gone 10 games without a goal. Luis Diaz, who started the season brightly, has just one goal in his last 18 matches. Darwin Nunez, brought on in the second half, fared no better.
The only bright spark? Federico Chiesa. In just 20 minutes, he showed more attacking intent than Jota and Diaz combined, scoring a well-taken consolation goal. Slot may need to rethink his attacking pecking order after the international break.
Lessons to Learn
Despite the disappointment, Slot pointed out that Liverpool remain in pole position for the league title. “Even Liverpool can lose football games,” he said.
But this wasn’t just a loss, it was an embarrassing failure on the big stage. For a club with such high standards, a performance like this cannot be repeated when silverware is on the line.
