Newcastle are now one win away from their first domestic trophy in 68 years, and it’s thanks to local lad Sean Longstaff.
The Newcastle upon Tyne-born midfielder scored the first double of his senior career to win the tie 3-1 on aggregate and set up a Carabao Cup final clash against either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest.
It wasn’t all good news, though, with key midfielder Bruno Guimaraes receiving a late red card that will see him absent for a crucial clash against Liverpool in the race for Champions League football.
That created some jeopardy with Newcastle previously cruising, but in truth they were never in danger, with the result fully deserved.
The roof lifted off St. James Park at full-time, as talkSPORT’s Jim Proudfoot said: “Get the party started. After years of desolation, elation.”
The Magpies are now just 90 minutes away, with it looking like old foes Man United will be waiting at Wembley on February 26.
Erik ten Hag’s side currently hold a 3-0 lead over Forest, and are trophyless since 2017.
That’s nothing compared to Eddie Howe’s men, though, whose last trophy was the now defunct Intertoto Cup in 2007, and last domestic trophy was the FA Cup in 1955.
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Longstaff’s parents likely weren’t even born then, showing just what an achievement it is for Newcastle to be back competing for top honours.
And they did it in style two, with the 25-year-old midfielder twice sweeping home from excellent passing moves.
Che Adams pulled one back with a superb effort from distance with an hour to play, but the Saints provided little else, having already been a goal down from Joelinton’s first-leg winner.
Newcastle have lost just two games in all competitions, fewer than any other Premier League side, and if they can keep that up, 2023 could be another historic year.