Former Liverpool star hails Newcastle’s free-kick winner in Carabao Cup final as ‘absolutely beautiful’

Former Liverpool star hails Newcastle’s free-kick winner in Carabao Cup final as ‘absolutely beautiful’

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor believes Newcastle United won a number of free kicks during their excellent performance against the Reds in the EFL Cup final, but he believes many of them were not free kicks.

Liverpool suffered a massive disappointment in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle United won 2-1 to lift their first major trophy of the season.

Going into the game, the Reds were expected to present new manager Arne Slaughter with his first trophy, but in the end, goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak gave Newcastle United the win.

Meyler doesn’t think Liverpool played at their best in the match, but he believes the Reds did get a few free kicks, but they were not free kicks.

The former striker believes Newcastle were very smart in winning free kicks, but it was clear that Liverpool still should have done a better job defending the set-piece that set up Burnley’s opener.

“We conceded some unnecessary free kicks. I have to say, they were questionable free kicks. I don’t think some of them were free kicks,” Meyler said after the March 16 game.

“I thought Newcastle were very clever, they won the free ball and used it to pass the ball.

“They’ve got quality players who can attack – and for me, Dan Burn shouldn’t have been given the space to score with his header as he did.”

Newcastle United have often been criticised for using the so-called “dark arts” of the game to gain advantage, but the Magpies have been scooping up major silverware. Regardless of criticism.

Eddie Howe, who has now written his name into Newcastle civil law, will turn his attention back to the Premier League as the Magpies target qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Sixth-placed Newcastle United will face Brentford at St James’ Park in early April when the Premier League restarts.