Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. This victory means Arne Slot’s side has now scored at least twice in each of their last 18 home games at Anfield.
The big pre-match surprise was the absence of Newcastle’s star striker, Alexander Isak, due to a groin injury. His absence made things even harder for Eddie Howe’s side. Meanwhile, Slot was banned from the touchline for two matches after the incident at Goodison Park.
However, it didn’t matter much as Liverpool took the lead after just 11 minutes through Dominik Szoboszlai. Luis Díaz set up the Hungarian, who calmly finished from close range to score Liverpool’s 100th goal of the season in all competitions.
Liverpool were largely in control but nearly got caught out when Dan Burn’s long ball found Callum Wilson, who ran through on goal but fired wide. Szoboszlai came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead, with a right-footed shot that just missed the post after a pass from Diogo Jota. Aside from Wilson’s missed chance, the first half was relatively straightforward for Liverpool, who hadn’t even hit top gear by halftime.
After the break, Liverpool were slow to start but managed to double their lead just after the hour mark through Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine intercepted the ball in midfield, linked up with Mohamed Salah, and then fired past Nick Pope with a powerful finish. Salah later nearly set up Díaz with a brilliant cross, but Díaz missed at the far post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q04rP16Y4dg
In the end, Liverpool got the job done without playing at their best, while Newcastle lacked the attacking threat Isak would have provided. Howe’s side has now lost four of their last six Premier League matches, putting them under pressure in the race for European qualification. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s title challenge looks increasingly likely with each passing match.
