Liverpool picked up another 3 points last night against Newcastle at Anfield, strengthening their position at the top of the table. Newcastle were without their talisman up top, Alexander Isak due to injury.
From the off, Liverpool seemed up and ready for it, taking control of the game and putting Newcastle under pressure in their own third. The reds got their breakthrough in the 11th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai’s left footed finish inside the box.
Newcastle started to show glimpses as it came to the 25 minute mark that they could hurt Liverpool. Callum Wilson had a great opportunity to put the visitors level when going through on goal, but missing the target. Newcastle fans would have thought, if only Isak was playing it had gone in.
Liverpool got their second after half time through Alexis Mac Allister, who placed his shot into the top right corner of the goal with precision and power. Similar to Liverpool’s 1st goal, Mo Salah picked up the assist’s for both goals after a short pass inside to the midfielders. The goals were almost carbon copies of one another.
The fans went on to sing out ‘we’re going to win the league’ in a jam packed Anfield, all the way to full time.
Arne Slot wasn’t on the bench for this game due to his 2 match ban, after his red card at the end of the Merseyside derby. In an interview after the game, he very much remained the calm and composed outfit we’ve grown to expect from the Dutchman, insisting he isn’t looking at the league being won yet and keeping focus on the next games ahead.
Liverpool will have to face Newcastle again in the Carabao Cup final. If we are going off what happened last night Liverpool will be strong favourites for this game. However, Newcastle were without their key man up top along with Joelinton who has become a crucial player for them. Could we see a repeat of tonight’s result in the final or a much tighter affair.
Dominik Szoboszlai has been a standout performer over the past few weeks, adding goals to his game. Not only that, he has shown his desire and work-rate to cover the whole of the pitch to help out in attack and defence. He is showing everything that Slot wants from his players.
Darwin Nunez has been victim to some criticism over recent weeks not only from the media but also his manager for his work ethic. It was good to see him get some minutes at the end of the game and show some fight, which the Liverpool fans enjoyed and showed their appreciation by chanting his name.
Liverpool now go 13 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with 10 left to play. They have a luxury of 7 days to rest and recover, something they’ve not been used to after playing 5 games in 15 days, until their next game against PSG in the Champions League.
It’s all but over in the Premier League, but how far will Liverpool go in the Champions League?