Semi-Final Against Manchester City
The EFL Cup semi-finals kick off this week at St James’ Park, where eight-time champions Manchester City will take on current titleholders Newcastle United in the first leg. Last March, the Magpies claimed their first major trophy since 1955 by defeating Liverpool in the final, with goals from lifelong fan Dan Burn and the now-departed Alexander Isak. The other semi-final this season features Chelsea facing off against London rivals Arsenal.
Newcastle is set to challenge Pep Guardiola’s formidable squad in hopes of reaching consecutive finals at Wembley. Eddie Howe’s team is just three matches away from joining an elite group of clubs that have successfully defended the EFL Cup since its inception in the 1960/61 season. Let’s take a look at the teams that have accomplished this remarkable feat.
Teams That Have Retained the EFL Cup
Only two teams have managed to not only retain the EFL Cup but do so three times, lifting the trophy four consecutive years. Guardiola’s Manchester City first won the trophy in the 2017/18 season and went on to win it again in 2018/19, 2019/20, and 2020/21, before another club claimed it in 2022. Liverpool also achieved this remarkable feat in the 1980s, securing four consecutive wins from 1981 to 1984 under the management of Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan.
In addition, there have been three other instances of teams retaining the trophy just once. Manchester United claimed victory in both the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, defeating Tottenham and Aston Villa, respectively. Nottingham Forest also achieved the feat twice, retaining the EFL Cup in 1979 and 1990 under the legendary Brian Clough. Will Newcastle United be able to join this prestigious list this season? Only time will tell.
