Having taken a 1-0 lead through the in-form Jacob Murphy, the Magpies were in control of Monday night’s (16 April) match.
That was until Nick Pope came to claim a cross, made a complete hash of things, and clattered into Chris Richards.
After a dreadfully long break in play, whilst Darren England and Craig Pawson agonised over replay after replay, the two officials eventually settled on awarding a penalty.
In keeping with the calamity of the entire situation, Arsenal target Eberechi Eze then missed the resulting spot-kick.
Following on from that comedic sequence, Newcastle put their foot on the gas and did not let up, scoring four goals unanswered through a Marc Guehi own-goal, Harvey Barnes, Fabian Schar, and Liverpool target Alexander Isak.
Barcelona-target Sandro Tonali sends message to Newcastle fans
In spite of being linked with a move to Barcelona, Newcastle will not entertain offers for Tonali this summer, Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider exclusively.
The Italian posted two photos of himself in action to Instagram after the win over the Eagles, captioned: “On repeat.”
Tonali’s teammate, Isak, then liked the post, showing his support for the 24-year-old.
Newcastle close in on Champions League qualification
In the build-up to the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, conversations were had as to whether Newcastle may have to compromise on their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, in order to focus on winning a first major title in 70 years.
The Magpies’ form was suffering, there were holes in several different positions in the team, and all the talks of Isak’s potential departure seemed to be having a major impact.
However, the historic win over Liverpool had a rejuvenating effect on Eddie Howe’s side, and whilst he has missed the victories over Man United and Palace, his side now look nailed on for a place in UEFA’s premier competition next season.
Newcastle are on a six-game winning run in all competitions currently, and have done so without one of their star men, Anthony Gordon, who has been limited to just two substitute appearances in that stretch, due to injury and suspension.
If the Magpies can keep their squad and good end-of-season form intact into next season, they won’t just be making up the numbers in the Champions League next season.
