And once the game kicked off, Liverpool simply couldn’t match the Magpies’ desire and intensity. All over the field, Liverpool looked like it was losing its battles. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton’s physicality was too much to handle and Guimaraes himself added steel as well as silk and flair.

Virgil van Dijk was ascending the Wembley steps to collect the Carabao Cup trophy just over a year ago, but today he had to watch from afar as Newcastle’s players basked in the limelight instead.

Virgil van Dijk reportedly congratulated every Newcastle player after the Toon beat Liverpool 2-1 to win the Carabao Cup on Sunday. The Reds had gone into the showdown as the overwhelming favourites to secure glory,