#joe-willock

#joe-willock

Two of the more impressive teams in the country face off to win the first piece of domestic silverware available, with the Magpies in their first showpiece since the turn of the Millennium.The Red Devils, meanwhile, look on the right track under Erik ten Hag as the manager looks to return the giant to former glories.

Newcastle took a huge stride towards Champions League football next season by inflicting a demoralising defeat on struggling Everton, who remain rooted in the Premier League's relegation zone.A comfortable win at Goodison Park keeps Eddie Howe's men in third place, eight points clear of Aston Villa in fifth and with a game in hand, in the battle to play in Europe's elite club competition.

Newcastle's Alexander Isak scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Nottingham Forest from the penalty spot to keep their hopes of a top-four finish firmly alive.Isak, who had earlier cancelled out Emmanuel Dennis' opener in the first half, coolly placed his spot-kick into the right corner after Moussa Niakhate was penalised for handball in the box.

The Magpies are gearing up for their first final this century, but will have to do it without both their first- and second-choice goalkeepers.Nick Pope last week rather inexplicably handed the ball outside his area against Liverpool to earn a straight red card, while deputy Martin Dubravka is ironically cup-tied having earlier this season represented Manchester United in the competition while on loan.

Miguel Almiron continued his scoring streak as Newcastle consolidated their spot in the Premier League's top four with another confident victory.The Paraguay forward put the visitors ahead at half-time following a strong run and composed finish for his seventh goal in seven games.Southampton, who are struggling for goals, wasted chances before Newcastle substitute Chris Wood swivelled sharply and fired into the corner.