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Match Report: Liverpool vs Newcastle United
Liverpool beat Newcastle United 2-0 convincingly at Anfield on Wednesday in the Premier League clash to secure a 13-point lead. Second-placed Arsenal dropped two Premier League points against Nottingham Forest, playing parallelly to the Liverpool bout but 45 minutes ahead.
The intense Premier League campaign has faced many twists and turns and unpredictable results due to the stern mid-table competitiveness. However, the Reds have lost only one game so far this season in the Premier League, despite the constant pressure.
The gap between third-placed Nottingham Forest and tenth-placed Aston Villa is just six points, highlighting the incredibly competitive 2024-25 season. Liverpool’s Wednesday opponent Newcastle are also fighting for the top-four finish, currently in sixth position after suffering the away loss.
First-Half
Liverpool started the first half on the front foot, carrying their impressive last weekend victory against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium. John Heitinga took control of Liverpool’s touchline due to the two-match ban for Arne Slot after the Michael Oliver drama.
The Reds almost immediately won a penalty in the third minute after an unbalanced Lewis Hall dragged Mohamed Salah down. Unfortunately, the on-field referee opted to give the foul against Salah, shocking the home crowd as VAR backed the official.
However, Liverpool broke the deadlock immediately in the 11th minute after Luis Diaz outpaced Tino Livramento to find Dominik Szoboszlai free in the middle of the box. The Hungary captain has played a pivotal role for Liverpool this season with his hard work as a number 10.
Scoring his second goal in two games, Szoboszlai has showcased his immense quality to balance hard work with contributions. Unlike the game against Man City, Liverpool dominated the position in this game while keeping their defence strong.
The Reds enjoyed 64% possession with five shots but only one on target compared to Newcastle’s one wayward shot. The Magpies had one golden opportunity through Callum Wilson when Ibrahima Konate misjudged an offside trap, allowing Wilson to get a one-on-one opportunity against Alisson Becker.
Second-Half
Liverpool maintained their dominance in and out of possession at Anfield against Newcastle during the second half, enjoying 58% possession. The Reds had seven shots in the second half with two hitting the target while restricting the Magpies to two shots while none hit the target.
Salah continued his role as the main contributor for Liverpool this season, this time providing a fantastic assist for Alexis Mac Allister for the second goal of the game in the 63rd minute. Liverpool finished the game with two convincing victories in a row against two top sides, Man City and Newcastle.
The Reds also forced the Magpies to zero shots on target throughout the game and dealt with their physicality well.
Key Takeaways
The Reds will enjoy a one-week break before they face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The away clash will follow the Premier League game against Southampton and then the second leg against PSG.
The two victories against the Citizens and the Magpies are a major confidence boost for Liverpool. Both sides are fighting for the top-four finish while the Reds convincingly nullified them and scored goals. Liverpool never had to up their game with control and cohesion which made two good sides look very weak as a threat.
