Newcastle United End 70-Year Trophy Drought with EFL Cup Triumph
Newcastle United ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday to claim the EFL Cup. The Magpies dominated the Premier League leaders in the first half and took a deserved lead when Dan Burn powered home a header from a corner just before the break. Alexander Isak doubled Newcastle’s lead with a clinical finish in the second half, making Federico Chiesa’s stoppage-time strike nothing more than a consolation.
Several Newcastle players delivered impressive performances, making it difficult to single out a standout performer. One player who flew slightly under the radar was Jacob Murphy, whose excellent knockdown set up Isak’s decisive goal. Murphy was lively throughout the match and caused Liverpool’s defense plenty of problems.
Murphy’s Journey from Norwich to Newcastle’s Success
Newcastle have Norwich City to thank for Murphy’s development, as the winger rose through the ranks at Carrow Road before earning his move to Tyneside. Murphy, now 30, became a fan favorite at St James’ Park after joining the club in 2017, but his time at Norwich required patience and persistence. After signing his first professional contract in 2013, Murphy was loaned out to Swindon Town, Southend United, Blackpool, Scunthorpe United, Colchester United, and Coventry City before breaking into the Norwich first team.
His breakthrough came in the 2016-17 season, when he scored eight goals in 37 Championship appearances, earning him a move to his boyhood club, Newcastle. Over the last eight years, Murphy has established himself as a reliable first-team regular, amassing over 200 appearances in all competitions despite several changes on and off the pitch.
Murphy Overcame Challenges to Secure Newcastle Role
Even after leaving Norwich, Murphy had to fight for his place at Newcastle. Loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday gave him valuable game time and paved the way for his return to Newcastle’s plans. When the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund took over the club from Mike Ashley, high-profile signings followed to strengthen the squad. Despite the influx of new talent, Murphy’s consistent performances ensured he remained an important part of the team during Newcastle’s transformation.
A Storybook Ending at Wembley
Murphy’s contribution to Newcastle’s long-awaited triumph is a fitting chapter in his career. Having grown up in Wembley, he returned to his hometown to help his boyhood club secure their first domestic trophy in seven decades. His patience and persistence paid off, and Newcastle will no doubt be grateful to Norwich for their role in shaping Murphy’s journey to this remarkable moment.
