For years, Newcastle have waited for moments like this. Prior to today, their last piece of silverware was the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969. Two years ago, when they made the final of the Carabao Cup, it was meant to be. This time, dreams became reality at Wembley Stadium.
Everybody was expecting it to be Liverpool crowned champions in the capital. The Reds have been a force to be reckoned with this term and, despite exiting the Champions League in midweek, were the favourites to lift the trophy.
But Newcastle rose to the occasion when their rivals didn't, with Eddie Howe's team producing a coming-of-age performance to end their time in the wilderness.
No Anthony Gordon, no problem. Newcastle, when they learned they would be without the England international for today's match due to suspension, could have been forgiven for fearing the worst.
Newcastle have beaten Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup
PA
Yet Newcastle produced a performance so brilliant, so mature and so adventurous that they've finally given their loyal supporters something big to cheer.
One player who epitomises the club is Dan Burn.
The centre-back, who is likely to earn his first England cap in the next week, plays with his heart each and every week - with his commitment making him a cult hero.
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It was, therefore, fitting that it was Burn who broke the deadlock to give Newcastle a deserved lead.
The defender rose highest to head home from a pinpoint corner from Kieran Trippier, with Burn sending the Toon fans into a state of ecstasy.
Liverpool were frustrated, however, with the Reds aggrieved not to be given a penalty when the ball had struck Trippier on the arm mere moments earlier.
Dan Burn put Newcastle ahead against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final
PA
Newcastle's poster boy is Alexander Isak. The Sweden international is world class and, in a year where Erling Haaland has finally shown some signs of being human, has usurped the Norwegian to become the Premier League's main man.
It was equally fitting that Isak got the second goal of the game, with the former Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad star converting after some fine work from Jacob Murphy.
Liverpool were never going to give up without a fight.
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They did their best to up the ante, with Arne Slot turning to the likes of Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliot and Darwin Nunez in order to turn the match around.
In the end, however, their efforts were in vain with Newcastle finally ending their wait for silverware - even if Chiesa's late strike forced a frantic finish.
It is something that will mean so much to so many and is yet more proof of what a genius Howe is.
Newcastle star Alexander Isak celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday
PA
These days, English managers rarely get the credit - with their foreign counterparts often viewed as superior.
But the work Howe has done at the club ever since replacing Steve Bruce in 2021 is nothing short of sensational.
Watch this space. This could be the start of something special for the Toon, who will undoubtedly party into the night.
