Newcastle United players and manager Eddie Howe received a text message from club legend Alan Shearer before their incredible Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool

Of course, it is impossible to completely escape a city’s feelings and expectations, especially when the club’s all-time leading scorer, Alan Shearer, texts the club captain, Bruno Guimaraes, on the eve of the game. His message was not one spewing emotion, but a clinical instruction: “Bring that trophy back.”

Eddie Howe’s name will eternally be heralded amongst different generations of Newcastle United supporters as he masterminded their 2-1 win against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Despite Liverpool looking dead set to retain the trophy after the blistering season they have had, it would be fair to state that Howe outclassed Arne Slot tactically.