It was emotional inside St James’ Park last night, and Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has admitted that the pre-match atmosphere almost reduced him to tears.
Eddie Howe’s side booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-1 win over Southampton, with Sean Longstaff scoring both goals. It was an incredible night for the local lad, who has struggled in front of goal recently.
But he was deadly on Tuesday night, and lifted the roof off of St James’ Park thanks to his two early goals. They settled any nerves inside the ground, and had fans planning their route to Wembley.
The noise before kickoff was incredible. There was a DJ performance from local lad Schak, while new signings Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby received an outrageously loud ovation as they were welcomed onto the pitch.
The flags, the scarves, the singing – St James’ Park was rocking ahead of last night’s game, and the Magpies delivered on the pitch to advance to a first cup final since 1999.
Dan Burn blown away by Newcastle fans
Every player will be buzzing to reach the League Cup final, but it means even more to the local lads like Burn and Longstaff.
After the game, Burn spoke to NUFC TV on the pitch and was asked to sum up what he had just experienced.
“I can’t,” he said.
“It’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in. Before the game the place was bouncing. I could feel myself getting emotional, but I’m just really happy for the lads.
“I thought we did really well at the start then let them back into it, but just really proud of the boys and the club.”
A special night inside St James’ Park
The atmosphere really was incredible last night. It fit the occasion, and for Burn to say it is the best atmosphere he has ever played in is some feat. It was only last season when he praised a rocking St James’ Park for the noise ahead of the final home game against Arsenal in May.
Nights like that could soon become the norm at SJP. The club is being geared up for success, and hopefully the 2023 Carabao Cup final is the first of many chances we get to compete for honours.
But if it is our only shot, Toon fans will do everything they can to make it special. The new Wembley has not hosted Newcastle since it was built, other than when Tottenham briefly used it as their home ground.
Last night’s noise almost had Burn choking up, and it inspired him and his teammates to victory. Now Wembley awaits on February 26th.
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