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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup</li><li>Ended their 70-year wait for a silverware</li><li>Saha backed the Magpies for PL glory</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'They can definitely challenge' - Newcastle backed to launch shock title tilt in 2025/26 after ending trophy drought with Carabao Cup glory

<p>In March, Eddie Howe’s side etched their names into the club’s history books by overcoming <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/newcastle-player-ratings-vs-liverpool-alexander-isak-dan-burn-carabao-cup-final/bltc18db704f858f094" target="_blank">Liverpool 2-1 in a thrilling Carabao Cup final </a>at Wembley. First-half heroics from Dan Burn, followed by a composed finish from Alexander Isak in the second, ensured Newcastle lifted their first major domestic trophy since 1955.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The 1955 FA Cup triumph over Manchester Cityhad long stood as Newcastle’s last celebrated piece of major silverware. Since then, they have suffered five defeats in major finals and twice come agonisingly close to a Premier League title, finishing as runners-up.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>However, the tide now seems to be turning. Former Newcastle, Manchester United and Fulham striker Louis Saha believes that Newcastle’s breakthrough moment in the Carabao Cup can act as a launchpad for greater achievements, including a realistic tilt at the Premier League title next season.</p><p>"They can definitely challenge for the title next season. I think winning the League Cup, and getting Champions League money next season, it’s a huge step and it allows them to build further under Eddie Howe," he told <a href="http://www.10bet.co.uk/" target="_blank"><em>10bet.</em></a> "I think they’ve done brilliantly with how they’ve managed their progress. They’ve already experienced Champions League football under Eddie Howe and they didn’t let it knock them off their stride too much, they continued to get better."</p><p>One of the major setbacks came in the form of Sandro Tonali’s lengthy suspension, which disrupted midfield stability. Nevertheless, Saha lauded Howe’s handling of the situation, crediting the team for bouncing back with strength and unity.</p><p>"They’ve had to manage some tough times, like Sandro Tonali’s ban, but both he and they came back really strong, and they’ve built an exciting team to watch," he added. "Not just that, they have some of the best fans in the world, so <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/newcastle-ready-splash-out-two-premier-league-superstars/bltb5b767af492dde7b" target="_blank">with two or three quality signings, </a>they will be so much stronger. They need a few more players to cope with injuries and the physical demands of being in both competitions."</p>

WHAT SAHA SAID

<p>With Champions League football secured for another campaign, Newcastle’s recruitment team will be under pressure to deliver this summer. With their long trophy drought finally broken and momentum firmly on their side, Newcastle may well be preparing for their most ambitious Premier League campaign in decades.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

'They can definitely challenge' - Newcastle backed to launch shock title tilt in 2025/26 after ending trophy drought with Carabao Cup glory | Goal.com

Newcastle United have been backed to &quot;definitely challenge&quot; for the Premier League title in 2025/26 after ending trophy drought with the Carabao Cup.