Many supporters have billed this weekend’s Carabao Cup final as Newcastle United’s biggest game in a generation. Thousands of Geordies are set to dawn on the capital city for a black-and-white takeover - roaring on Eddie Howe’s side as they bid to clinch domestic silverware for the first time since 1955.
Few Toon fans can recall Jimmy Scoular walking up the Wembley steps to be greeted by Queen Elizabeth II, on his way to lifting Newcastle’s third FA Cup in five years. Many heartbreaking times have been shared in the 68 ensuing years - but United could be just days away from breaking their trophy curse.
Readers may remember FA Cup heartbreak in 1974, 1998 and 1999, or League Cup failure in 1976 but, for those of a younger persuasion, Sunday’s final will be an unprecedented experience. Newcastle are set to compete in their first cup final this century, against the same opponent, Manchester United, who brushed them aside at the old Wembley 24 years ago.
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But is this really the biggest game the Magpies have played since then? ChronicleLive has ranked 10 monumental fixtures of the 21st century to find out…
10. West Brom away (2009-10)
This nervy trip to the Hawthorns is arguably the most unsung result in Newcastle’s recent history. After relegation in 2009 and the exodus that followed, many pundits predicted a managerless side to “do a Leeds” and drop down to League One.
A trip to West Bromwich Albion, arguably the most difficult fixture of the campaign, looked ominous. Steve Harper’s injury forced Tim Krul into action for the second half. The Dutchman summoned the spirit of Palermo to weather the Baggies' storm and earn Newcastle an invaluable point.
9. Norwich away (2015-16)
A truly heartbreaking one. There are few games on this list which involved a rollercoaster of emotions as volatile as Carrow Road in April 2016.
In April 2016, Rafa Benitez was attempting to steer a sinking ship towards survival. Aleksandar Mitrovic equalised twice, including in the 86th minute, keeping Newcastle’s Premier League dream alive.
However, disaster struck in the 93rd minute - hammering a cruel nail into the Magpies’ relegation coffin. Defeat left Newcastle six points adrift with seven games remaining. A real uphill battle.
8. Benfica home (2012-13)
Ultimately, the 2012-13 season proved a brief fling with European competition rather than a long-lasting romance. The dream start in Portugal saw Papiss Cisse give Newcastle an early lead.
However, comical defending - a staple of Newcastle's diet this century - saw a wayward Davide Santon backpass and Steven Taylor handball gift the hosts an easy win. United had it all to do in the reverse leg but could only muster a 1-1 draw - eliminating them from the Europa League.
7. Sunderland home (2010-11)
A lot was riding on the first Tyne-Wear derby in 18 months. Newcastle’s relegation postponed the hostilities for a season and Sunderland - managed by Steve Bruce and unbeaten in seven - were much-fancied favourites.
But 10/10 performances all over the pitch inflicted a 5-1 battering on the Black Cats. Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Andy Carroll and, of course, Shola Ameobi were unplayable as Newcastle claimed the ultimate bragging rights over their bitter rivals.
6. West Ham home (2014-15)
One of the most emotional days in recent memory. Ahead of the game, Mike Ashley shocked fans with a pre-match interview live on Sky Sports.
Newcastle could have been relegated - again. But Jonas Guttierez, 18 months after a testicular cancer diagnosis and in his last-ever match, put in the performance of a lifetime. An inspired 2-1 win would rank higher but, as it turned out, the Magpies would have stayed up regardless.
5. Brighton away (2016-17)
The beginning of a season-defining week for Benitez’s troopers. A six-pointer at the top of the table saw second-placed Newcastle make the 700-mile round trip to first-placed Brighton.
In truth, the Magpies were battered. However, a late fightback saw Mohamed Diame’s fluke creep past David Stockdale before Ayoze Perez won the game at the death. Beating third-placed Huddersfield Town on the road just days later proved Benitez’s managerial credentials in clutch situations.
4. Man United semi-final (2004-05)
If Newcastle players need inspiration for the cup final, they should look no further than this game. Only the supporters appeared to turn up that day as a limp and disinterested Toon side were embarrassed 4-1 - the same scoreline Sporting Lisbon beat them by in the UEFA Cup quarter-final three years earlier.
3. Marseille away (2003-04)
Similarly to this weekend, Newcastle were dealt a colossal blow ahead of a mammoth cup clash. While Nick Pope’s absence is suspension-related, Jonathan Woodgate missed the return leg at Marseille through injury.
Didier Drogba was one of Europe’s most promising - and feared - up-and-coming strikers. Woodgate had pocketed the Ivorian in the first leg but, living up to the pre-match expectations, Drogba delivered in the second. A devastating brace dumped Sir Bobby Robson’s men out of the competition.
2. Aston Villa away (2008-09)
Painful.
There is no getting around it: Newcastle failed when it mattered most that day. Watching a helpless Alan Shearer stand on the touchline, being ripped into by the baying Villa mob, hurt.
As was often the case that season, the Magpies were their own worst enemy. Damien Duff’s own goal ended Newcastle's 16-year association in the top flight.
1. Carabao Cup final (2022-23)
The start of this article asked whether the Carabao Cup final is Newcastle’s biggest game this century. Well, the short answer is… absolutely!
No domestic silverware since 1955 has weighed heavily on Newcastle fans like a burden of embarrassment. Many have tried, yet so many more have failed to bring success to Tyneside since Manchester City were swept aside that day.
Another Manchester club, United, is all that stands in Howe’s way from immortality at St James’ Park. For other clubs, this game may not be number one on the list but, for Newcastle, getting the monkey off their back means everything.
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