Why fans are targeting one Liverpool player after Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle

By: Shawn
‎Newcastle United secured a historic 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, ending a 70-year wait for domestic silverware. The Magpies claimed their first trophy since 1955 in a dramatic Carabao Cup final at Wembley, thanks to a brilliant performance from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak.
‎
‎'Mo Salah.'
‎Getty Images
‎
‎Burn, a lifelong Newcastle supporter, opened the scoring just before halftime with a powerful header from a corner. Early in the second half, Isak doubled the Magpies’ lead with a composed finish from a Jacob Murphy assist, moments after a disallowed goal due to offside.
‎
‎Liverpool, coming off a midweek Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, struggled to find their rhythm. Although Federico Chiesa scored a late goal for the Reds, VAR confirmed he was onside, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Despite some late pressure, Newcastle’s resilience saw them through for a well-deserved victory.
‎
‎One of the key talking points after the match was the performance of Mohamed Salah. Despite his reputation as a Ballon d’Or contender, Salah failed to make an impact in the final, leading to widespread criticism from fans. Many pointed out that Salah has only scored once in a final for Liverpool— a penalty against Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League.
‎
‎A post on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Mohamed Salah and Finals. We need to have a conversation.” Others added: “Dan Burn has more NPG in finals than Mo Salah” and “Another big game, and Salah hasn’t done a single thing.” Several fans also questioned his status among football’s greats, with one commenting, “The last week has summed up why Mo Salah can’t be in Ballon d'Or conversations.”
‎
‎The victory also secured Newcastle’s place in next season’s European competitions. The Carabao Cup win guarantees them a spot in the Conference League, although if they qualify for the Europa League or Champions League through their Premier League finish, the Conference League spot will be passed to the team finishing seventh or eighth.
‎
‎For now, Newcastle fans are celebrating a long-awaited triumph, while Liverpool’s struggles in crucial moments continue to be a point of debate, particularly regarding Salah’s role in finals.

MORE FROM SPORT CRAVE

Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal? Former France International Says Premier League Move Cannot Be Ruled Out

Image
‎A future Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe cannot be completely ruled out, according to former France international Mikael Silvestre, who believes the Real Madrid forward should ultimately choose the club that gives him the strongest opportunity to win the major trophy missing from his career. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe’s future Premier League move is discussed as Mikael Silvestre says Arsenal cannot be ruled out. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Mbappe appeared to have found the ideal destination when he joined Real Madrid as a ‘Galactico’. However, despite his outstanding individual performances, the France international is still waiting to secure the Champions League and strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe Still Waiting for Champions League Success ‎ ‎Real Madrid have gone two seasons without winning the most prestigious trophy in European football, a situation that has reportedly added to the frustration surrounding Mbappe's pursuit of collective success. ...
Read more

The Rise of Umar 'Mai Yaki' Muhammed: A Young Basketballer’s Journey of Passion and Ambition

Image
‎For Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed, basketball is more than just a sport. It is a passion that has grown into a dream—one that he hopes will take him from the courts of Niger to bigger stages across Nigeria and, eventually, the world. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed. ‎Mai Yaki via SC ‎ ‎The upcoming basketballer from Niger, Nigeria, is currently based in Abuja, where he continues to pursue his passion for the game and develop himself as a player. With ambition, dedication and a growing love for basketball, Umar is focused on building a future in the sport he has come to love. ‎ ‎In this exclusive conversation with Sport Crave, Umar opens up about how his journey with basketball began, what keeps him motivated and what he hopes the future holds for his career. ‎ ‎Sport Crave: Umar, tell us about yourself and your basketball journey. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed: My name is Umar Muhammed, but many people know me as “Mai Yaki.” I am a basketball player from Niger, Nigeria, and right n...
Read more

‎Roma Step Up Alejandro Garnacho and Crysencio Summerville Chase Ahead of New Season

Image
‎Roma are accelerating their search for top-quality attacking reinforcements as they prepare to reshape their frontline before the new season. The Giallorossi have strengthened their pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho while remaining firmly interested in Crysencio Summerville as they aim to assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level. ‎ ‎Roma intensify transfer talks for Alejandro Garnacho while maintaining strong interest in Crysencio Summerville. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Roma have stepped up their activity in the transfer market, with Alejandro Garnacho continuing to rank among the club's priority targets. According to calcionews24, the Serie A side have made fresh contact regarding the Chelsea starlet, underlining their determination to bring the Argentina international to the Stadio Olimpico. ‎ ‎Although convincing Chelsea to part with the talented winger represents a difficult challenge, Roma believe the deal is complicated but achievable and one that coul...
Read more

Manchester City Agree Deal to Sign Arsenal Midfield Prospect Mishel Nduka

Image
‎Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after the 16-year-old turned down a new contract offer from the Gunners. ‎ ‎The England youth international is expected to undergo a medical imminently before completing his move to Manchester City on scholarship terms. A professional contract is then expected to follow as City continue their efforts to recruit and develop some of the most promising young players in the game. ‎ ‎Manchester City have agreed to sign 16-year-old Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after he turned down a new contract. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Arsenal had presented Nduka with a highly competitive long-term contract in an effort to retain the midfielder, but the teenager is now expected to continue his development at Manchester City. ‎ ‎Nduka joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2025. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured for Arsenal’s Under-18s and also made appearances for the club’s under-21 si...
Read more

‎Chelsea Complete £117m Morgan Rogers Deal as Blues Hijack Arsenal Transfer Pursuit

Image
‎Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster £117 million transfer, with the England international choosing Stamford Bridge ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal. ‎ ‎Chelsea agree a record £117m deal for Morgan Rogers as the England star chooses Chelsea over Arsenal after Xabi Alonso’s influence. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was reportedly attracted by Chelsea’s project under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who played a key role in convincing Rogers to join the Blues. ‎ ‎Chelsea Break British Transfer Record with Morgan Rogers Deal ‎ ‎According to a report by The Athletic, Chelsea have accelerated their summer transfer plans by reaching a verbal agreement with Aston Villa for the signing of Rogers. ‎ ‎The deal, worth £117 million, will make Rogers the most expensive player in Chelsea’s history. The fee surpasses the previous British record of £116 million, which Manchester City recently agreed for ...
Read more

‎Can England Win the 2026 World Cup? Defence Remains the Biggest Question

Image
‎England enter the 2026 World Cup with plenty of reasons for optimism. Harry Kane continues to rank among the finest strikers in world football, Declan Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, and Thomas Tuchel brings tactical expertise capable of maximizing an attack filled with elite talent. ‎ England boast elite attacking talent, but concerns over fitness and experience in defence could threaten World Cup success. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎Yet despite their strengths going forward, England's defensive unit remains a major source of uncertainty. ‎ ‎The contrast between attack and defence is striking. While England's forward line can be devastating, Tuchel's preferred back four of Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly enters the tournament carrying concerns over fitness, experience and reliability. ‎ ‎Every contender has weaknesses, but England's defensive concerns are among the most visible and could ultimat...
Read more

What Was Thomas Tuchel Thinking?! England’s World Cup Final Dream Ends After Costly Tactical Decisions

Image
‎England's hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 ended in disappointment after Argentina fought back to claim a 2-1 victory in Atlanta on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel's tactical approach coming under intense criticism. ‎ ‎Tuchel's selection initially appeared to be a masterstroke. Surprise starter Morgan Rogers delivered the cross that allowed Anthony Gordon to give England the lead 10 minutes into the second half. ‎ ‎England fell 2-1 to Argentina as Thomas Tuchel's tactics came under scrutiny despite Anthony Gordon's opening goal. ‎ Getty/GOAL ‎However, England's conservative approach eventually proved costly. A first half dominated by defensive football was followed by late substitutions that shifted momentum completely in Argentina's favour. Gordon was replaced by Ezri Konsa before Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly were introduced as England attempted to protect their advantage. ‎ ‎Argentina continued to apply pressure throughout ...
Read more

Michael Olise Wants Real Madrid Move as Bayern Munich Demand €200 Million Transfer Fee

Image
Michael Olise's future is expected to become one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window, with the Bayern Munich winger reportedly determined to join Real Madrid after another outstanding season in Germany. ‎ Michael Olise reportedly wants Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich prepare for talks and seek at least €200 million. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ France Star Sees Madrid as Ideal Destination Foot Mercato reports that Olise wants to complete a move to Real Madrid during the current transfer window. The Spanish side are said to have a strong interest in signing the France international, while Marca journalist Pablo Polo claims the club are willing to make a major effort to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu. Following an exceptional domestic campaign, Olise also impressed for France at the World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappe. Their run ended with a 2-0 loss to Spain in the semi-finals, and they are now scheduled to face the loser of England against Argentina in the...
Read more

Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded to Miami Heat in Blockbuster Deal as Bucks Begin Rebuild

Image
‎The Miami Heat have completed one of the NBA's biggest trades, acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks and bringing an end to the superstar's lengthy tenure with the franchise that drafted him. ‎ ‎The Miami Heat acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis as Milwaukee secures young players and picks. ‎Getty Images ‎As part of the agreement, Bobby Portis will also head to Miami. Milwaukee receives a substantial package featuring Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round draft picks, a 2030 pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick. ‎ ‎Among those draft assets is the No. 13 overall selection in Tuesday's NBA Draft. The remaining two first-round picks included in the trade are unprotected. ‎ ‎Why the Bucks Chose to Move On ‎ ‎For more than a year, reports suggested Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee was uncertain. The speculation intensified after a disappointing 32-50 season in which the Bucks fin...
Read more

Harry Kane Reveals Why England Struggled Against Ghana in Goalless World Cup Draw

Image
Harry Kane has acknowledged that Ghana's disciplined defensive display played a major role in England being held to a 0-0 draw in their second World Cup match. The England captain endured a quiet evening in front of goal, with Ghana successfully restricting his movement and limiting clear-cut opportunities. ‎ ‎Harry Kane discusses his missed late chance and Ghana's defensive tactics after England's draw. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ Compact Ghana Defence Restricts Three Lions Following an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, expectations were high for England heading into the clash. Kane had scored twice in that opening triumph, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also among the goals. Yet Ghana, under the guidance of Carlos Queiroz, produced a resilient defensive performance. Their compact shape denied England space in dangerous areas and prevented the Three Lions from replicating the attacking display shown in their previous outing. The statistics refle...
Read more