Eddie Howe has hailed Liverpool as "the best team in the Premier League" while explaining the meticulous preparation that helped Newcastle United secure a 2-1 victory over the Reds in the Carabao Cup final.

Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, either side of half-time, sealed the Magpies’ triumph at Wembley. Burn’s opener was particularly pivotal, coming on the stroke of half-time as he outmanoeuvred Alexis Mac Allister to head home at the far post from a corner.

Howe revealed that Newcastle had been focusing on set-pieces in the build-up to the final, a decision that ultimately paid off as he praised his players for a well-deserved victory.

Howe: “We Had to Raise Our Game”

"We respect Liverpool, but you cannot step onto the pitch fearing anyone," Howe said. "You have to believe in yourself, and I think we did that today. I don’t think anyone can say we didn’t deserve to win.

"I firmly believe that you control everything you can. We tried to focus on our performance. I have to give full credit to Liverpool.

"They have been the best team in the Premier League by some distance this season, so we knew we had to raise our game to have any chance of beating them. Everyone needed to give their absolute best, and I think they did.

"I thought we made things difficult for ourselves after conceding. It was typical of us—we had been so solid throughout the game.

"I initially thought it was handball, then offside, but we faced a really tricky spell towards the end. However, we managed those final ten minutes exceptionally well."

Tactical Preparation Paid Off

Howe also detailed Newcastle’s preparations in the lead-up to the final, particularly their focus on set-pieces.

"Our work for this game started after the West Ham match. We worked on certain elements, particularly set-pieces, for weeks. There was no real team shape training, but we knew a set-piece could be the decisive moment.

"Two weeks before the final, we all sat down and said, ‘A set-piece could win us this game—let’s see what we can do.’ We focused on the fine details that could give us an edge.

"We’re not trying to be clever or give ourselves too much credit—it was all down to the players to execute. Kieran’s delivery, Dan’s header—these are the moments that make a difference."

Burn, whose performance was pivotal, particularly impressed Howe.

"His performance today was colossal at the back. Both teams played quite direct, and we knew Liverpool posed a real threat in that regard.

"We have been working tirelessly on those corners for two weeks. In training, we had mixed success, to be honest, but today, he delivered."

A Historic Victory for Newcastle

With Newcastle ending their long wait for silverware, Howe acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion.

"This will be a day nobody ever forgets. We certainly won’t. I won’t.

"We won this in the best possible way—by beating a brilliant opponent. Liverpool have been the best team in the Premier League all season, but today, we were the better team."

Howe’s Respect for Liverpool

Despite the significance of the victory, Howe remained composed at the final whistle, explaining his subdued reaction.

"You have to show respect to the opposition," he told Sky Sports. "Liverpool were pure class today. That speaks volumes about them as a football club—the way they reacted to this moment.

"We’ve been in their position before, two years ago against Manchester United. It’s not an easy feeling."

Newcastle’s triumph marks a historic moment for the club, and under Howe’s leadership, they will now look to build on this success in the Premier League.