Book your trains. Book your hotels (that’s if you hadn’t already) because Newcastle United are heading to Wembley. Finally.
For the first time in 24 years, the Magpies have reached a domestic final, and they did with a 3-1 aggregate win over Southampton.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg after Joelinton’s strike, Sean Longstaff, the local hero on the night, scored a brace inside the opening 21 minutes at St James’ Park.
United were cruising until Che Adams pulled one back on the half-hour mark. Saints had their moments, and Bruno Guimaraes’ 82nd-minute red card gave them hope, but Eddie Howe’s men sealed their Carabao Cup final spot.
St James’ Park was rocking pre-match, and that was reciprocated on the pitch as the Magpies surged into a fifth-minute lead through Longstaff.
The Geordie then doubled his tally 16 minutes later when he again found space in the box to fire home Miguel Almiron’s low cross.
Out of nothing, Adams pulled one back on the half-hour mark with a strike that breached Nick Pope for the first time in 11 games.
There were a few nervy moments, not least when Guimaraes was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Sam Edozie, but by full-time, St James’ Park hit noise levels it hadn’t hit in decades.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Newcastle United's English midfielder Sean Longstaff (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team second goal during the English League Cup semi final football match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James's Park stadium in Newcastle, on January 31, 2023. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United player ratings from the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Southampton. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
2. Nick Pope - 8
Beaten by Che Adams’ long distance strike - the first time he’s conceded since Southampton scored past him in November. Huge save to deny Adam Armstrong on 71 minutes.
3. Kieran Trippier - 7
Clever pass to set up Longstaff’s first goal. A typical strong and steady performance by the England right-back.
4. Fabian Schar - 7
Calm as ever on the ball. Produced a couple of vital clearances when it felt like backs against the wall in the closing stages.