Liverpool extend lead atop the Premier League with 4-2 win over Newcastle
Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool beat Newcastle United 4-2 at Anfield on Monday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to three points.
FULL-TIME: 🔴 Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle 🏁#LIVNEW #LFC #NUFC #PL pic.twitter.com/xP5bKHfFHF
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) January 1, 2024
Jurgen Klopp’s side were dominant throughout the game and should have won by a bigger margin, but they were saved by some outstanding saves from Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Salah opened the scoring in the second half with a tap-in after Curtis Jones had played him through on goal. Newcastle equalized through Alexander Isak, but Liverpool retook the lead through Jones and Cody Gakpo before Salah sealed the win with a penalty in the dying minutes.
The win takes Liverpool five points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain ninth in the table, 11 points off the top four.
Salah on fire
Salah was once again Liverpool’s star man, scoring two goals and taking his tally for the season to 18. He was a constant threat to the Newcastle defense and could have had even more goals if it hadn’t been for Dubravka’s heroics.
Dubravka keeps Newcastle in the game
Despite conceding four goals, Dubravka was Newcastle’s best player on the night. He made a number of outstanding saves, including denying Salah from the penalty spot in the first half.
Liverpool in control
Liverpool were in complete control of the game from start to finish and could have easily won by a bigger margin. They were clinical in front of the goal and created a number of chances.
Newcastle struggling
Newcastle are in a real rut at the moment and have now lost seven of their last eight games. They are lacking in confidence and look a long way off the team that was challenging for the top four at the start of the season.
Klopp delighted with the win
Jurgen Klopp was delighted with his team’s performance and praised Salah for his goalscoring exploits. He was also pleased with the way his side responded to Newcastle’s equalizer.
Howe under pressure
Eddie Howe is under increasing pressure after Newcastle’s latest defeat. The fans are starting to get restless and there are calls for the manager to be sacked.
What’s next?
Liverpool take on Arsenal in the FA Cup, while Newcastle host Sunderland in the FA Cup on Saturday.
