Fans are Addressing the Huge Elephant in the Room About One Liverpool Player After Losing Carabao Cup Final to Newcastle

Liverpool’s aspirations of lifting silverware this season took a devastating blow as Newcastle United emerged victorious in the Carabao Cup final, securing a 2-1 win at Wembley. The Magpies ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy, writing their names into history books with a sensational performance that saw them overcome Jurgen Klopp’s men in dramatic fashion.

Dan Burn and Alexander Isak delivered the decisive blows for Eddie Howe’s side, propelling Newcastle to their first major domestic success since 1955. A towering header from Burn at the stroke of halftime gave Newcastle a crucial lead before Isak doubled their advantage in the second half. Although Federico Chiesa pulled one back for Liverpool following a VAR check, the Reds failed to mount a significant comeback, falling short in yet another cup final.

For Liverpool fans, the loss was particularly painful. Fresh from an exhausting midweek Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain via penalties, the Premier League leaders looked lethargic and uninspired. Their usually dominant attack struggled to create clear-cut chances, and when they did, their finishing let them down. One player, however, came under the microscope more than anyone else—Mohamed Salah.

Salah, Liverpool’s talisman and Ballon d’Or contender, was virtually anonymous throughout the game, failing to make an impact when his team needed him most. His lackluster display raised questions among fans, who have noticed a worrying trend—his performances in finals simply do not match his reputation as one of the world’s elite forwards.

Social media erupted with criticism, with many pointing out Salah’s underwhelming record in crucial matches. One fan on X wrote, “Mohamed Salah and finals. We have to have a conversation.” Another commented, “Dan Burn with more non-penalty goals in finals than Mo Salah. Let that sink in.”

Salah’s only goal in a final for Liverpool remains a penalty against Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 Champions League final. For a player of his caliber, that statistic has sparked heated debates about his ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.

Another fan added, “Another big game and Salah hasn’t done a single thing. We need to be real about this.” A fourth went even further, saying, “The last week has summed up why Mo Salah cannot be in Ballon d’Or conversations or put in the all-time great category. He is simply not good enough when it matters.”

The Egyptian forward has been Liverpool’s most consistent performer in the Premier League, but his struggles in finals have led to serious scrutiny. While his contributions over the years have been immense, his failure to step up in decisive moments has left supporters frustrated.

Salah’s lack of impact against Newcastle mirrored his struggles against PSG, where he missed a crucial penalty in the shootout. For a player widely regarded as one of the best in the world, such performances raise questions about his legacy and whether he deserves to be ranked among football’s true greats.

Liverpool’s struggles in the final weren’t solely down to Salah, though. The entire team looked disjointed and lacked the intensity that has become their trademark under Klopp. Defensively, they were exposed by Newcastle’s physicality, while their midfield lacked creativity to break down the Magpies’ disciplined structure.

Newcastle, on the other hand, played with hunger and determination. Burn’s opener ignited belief, and Isak’s goal, just minutes after a disallowed strike, solidified their grip on the game. They defended resolutely, throwing bodies in front of every Liverpool attack to secure a hard-fought victory.

With the win, Newcastle not only secured silverware but also guaranteed a spot in European competition next season. The Carabao Cup triumph ensures their place in the UEFA Conference League, though they could qualify for a higher-tier European tournament depending on their Premier League finish.

As for Liverpool, questions will be asked about their ability to bounce back from these back-to-back setbacks. With the Premier League title race still wide open and Champions League football next season not yet secured, Klopp’s men must regroup quickly.

Salah, in particular, will need to silence his critics with a series of statement performances. If he wants to be remembered among football’s all-time greats, he must find a way to turn up on the biggest occasions. Until then, the elephant in the room remains—can Mohamed Salah truly deliver when it matters most?