Newcastle United Claims EFL Cup Victory Over Liverpool: Arne Slot Comments On Team Performance

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Arne Slot dismissed claims that Newcastle United showed more hunger than Liverpool in the EFL Cup final. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak gave Newcastle a two-goal lead, with Federico Chiesa scoring late for Liverpool. Despite this, Newcastle secured a 2-1 victory, ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

Slot acknowledged that Eddie Howe's team deserved their win but argued that Newcastle's long trophy drought didn't provide extra motivation. "It's 70 years since they've last won a trophy maybe, but that's for the fans," Slot said. "The players only have 15 years to play football, and they want to win every single trophy they are competing for. That's also what we want."

The game unfolded as Newcastle intended, gaining momentum with a goal just before halftime. Slot noted that Newcastle threatened more in the first half. Liverpool struggled to create chances, managing an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.89 from seven shots, only two of which were on target.

Liverpool's recent form has been challenging, having been eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties earlier in the week. This leaves Slot with only the Premier League as his chance for silverware in his debut season at Merseyside.

Despite their recent setbacks, Liverpool maintains a healthy 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League following Arsenal's victory over Chelsea. Slot was questioned about whether their defeat to PSG affected his players' performance against Newcastle.

Slot denied any mental or physical fatigue affecting his team but admitted they played into Newcastle's hands. "Were we mentally or physically tired? No," he said. "But this game had nothing to do with running." He explained that there was no intensity in terms of running and pressing because Newcastle played over their press.

Liverpool now faces a break until April 2 when they host local rivals Everton at Anfield. Slot expressed his desire to play sooner but acknowledged the international break means players will join their national teams before returning for the derby against Everton.

The recent results were not what Liverpool hoped for, but they still extended their league lead despite facing tough opponents like Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle. The upcoming match against Everton presents an opportunity to bounce back from these disappointments.