Jamie Carragher has admitted Newcastle deserved to beat Liverpool in Sunday's Carabao Cup final clash at Wembley Stadium.
The Toon went into the match as underdogs, having failed to win a trophy since 1969.
But goals in either half from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak saw them end their agonising wait for silverware on a day to remember for Howe's side, with the Toon winning 2-1.
Liverpool had been widely expected to produce a big response following their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week.
Jamie Carragher has admitted Newcastle deserved to beat Liverpool in Sunday's Carabao Cup final clash at Wembley Stadium
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Yet the Reds were strangely flat, with A-listers such as Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota failing to make much of an impact.
Carragher, speaking on Sky, has now provided his verdict.
And despite his allegiance to Liverpool, the former centre-back has now hailed Newcastle by saying they deserved to win.
"Newcastle didn't just win today, they battered Liverpool," he said.
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"I find it difficult to be too critical, given what Liverpool look like they will go on to achieve.
"Newcastle are a great Premier League team and they have wiped the floor with them today."
Carragher also admitted that he didn't begrudge Newcastle any of their success.
"I am gutted Liverpool didn't win but if there was any team you'd want to win, it is probably Newcastle," he said.
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"I love Eddie Howe to bits. He was always criticised for the way he played at Bournemouth but he has improved massively since joining Newcastle.
"They battered Liverpool."
Another person to speak on Sky was Jamie Redknapp.
The former Liverpool and Tottenham star has hailed Newcastle for their playing style, expressing a belief they're 'refreshing' for the modern game.
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"I remember watching both semi-finals against Arsenal and Newcastle battered them," he noted.
"They were aggressive and what I like about this Newcastle team is they're a bit of a throwback.
"They're good at all the details, but they get the ball forwards quickly. They win second balls, they're aggressive.
"It's really refreshing to see. It's exciting. I'd like to see teams that do play like this get success."
Jamie Carragher has lavished praise on Eddie Howe after Newcastle stunned Liverpool in the final of the Carabao Cup
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On Howe, he added: "Eddie Howe deserves it. He's so forward thinking. At times they've have hands tied behind their backs [due to finances].
"He's improved players. What he's done with Joelinton. He's turned into a midfield powerhouse. That's credit to the manager. Fully deserved win."
