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If titles are won from the bench, it was a very auspicious night for Jurgen Klopp. As Liverpool established a three-point lead at the Premier League summit, they could thank the men who proved the definition of impact subs and the manager who made the decisive changes. Diogo Jota had dual roles in the goal that put Liverpool ahead and then won the penalty that clinched victory. Cody Gakpo, who had been denied a goal a few minutes after his arrival with a sweet strike, scored an altogether scruffier goal.
As Liverpool and Newcastle faced off, their previous 4-3 encounter was overshadowed by a thrilling 4-2 match. However, the six goals were not the only dramatic element. This game fit perfectly with Liverpool’s season, as they rarely take the easy path. Nevertheless, the depth of their team was on display, which could be beneficial as Mohamed Salah left for the African Cup of Nations in a remarkable manner.
He had a mixture of highs and lows during the night, but ultimately came out victorious. He scored two goals, bringing his total for the season to 18, and also had an assist and played a role in another goal. However, he did miss a penalty. This performance highlighted one of his greatest qualities: his dominance. Liverpool also showed this quality as they were relentless, taking 34 shots. Their persistence paid off when they finally broke through Newcastle’s defense after 69 minutes, but they quickly lost their lead. Although there was a risk of a similar outcome to their game against Manchester United where they had 34 shots but no goals, this game turned out to be very different.
Mo Salah’s imperious nature saw him score twice and set up a third goal for Liverpool before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations
Unfortunately for Newcastle, this was not an unfamiliar result. They have now lost seven out of their last eight games and have not been able to secure a win at Anfield in 30 years. While Mohamed Salah’s performance had its own unique aspects, goalkeeper Martin Dubvraka’s evening was also noteworthy. Despite conceding four goals and a penalty, he played exceptionally well and nearly prevented Liverpool from scoring. Newcastle also put up a strong fight, scoring with only their second and fifth attempts on goal while facing a barrage of shots from the opposing team.
The continuous pressure from Klopp’s team wore them down. Liverpool played with incredible speed during the match at Anfield, which was also affected by heavy rain. The game was full of action, including disallowed goals, a missed penalty, impressive saves, and frustrating calls from the inconsistent referee, Anthony Taylor.
An important opportunity arose at the beginning. Luis Diaz was stopped in his diagonal run towards the goal when Sven Botman tripped him. Salah took the penalty kick with great force but it went straight down the middle, only to be saved by Dubravka. Alexander-Arnold then took the rebound shot with a similar focus on power rather than accuracy, resulting in the ball going over the crossbar. Later, Alexander-Arnold showed boldness by taking a half-volley shot from a very difficult angle, hitting the upright.
Although he let in four goals, Martin Dubravka had a remarkable performance at Anfield, which included stopping Mo Salah’s penalty in the first half.
Despite the final score, it was a night of redemption for Dubravka, who has faced challenges since Nick Pope’s injury brought him into the spotlight. In addition to saving a penalty, he also made an incredible point-blank block to prevent Nunez’s volley, a double save against the Uruguayan – the first after a possible foul on Botman and a subsequent clear shot on goal – and numerous other stops. His defense started early, when Nunez expertly received a cross from Salah, and continued throughout the game. He made an impressive save on a Gakpo shot on the goal line, shortly after the Dutchman entered the game.
The game featured a lineup of five active Liverpool forwards, including two substitutes and three starters, as well as a former player. Upon Roberto Firmino’s return to Anfield as one of Klopp’s top three attackers, they worked together to score the first goal. Diaz intelligently passed to Nunez, who is quite different from Firmino but serves as his replacement, and Nunez then set up Salah for an easy goal. While Nunez’s actions may seem unpredictable, Salah is likely aware that the Uruguayan often assists him.
With Nunez being wasteful, Klopp decided to make a substitution, replacing the Uruguayan and the dynamic Diaz. Jota came on and played a one-two with Salah, made a run into the penalty area, and set up Curtis Jones for an easy goal. Gakpo later scored from a deflected cross from Salah. In the end, Jota was brought down after getting past Dubravka. Some questioned whether the Portuguese player had dived, but this time Salah confidently converted the penalty from 12 yards out.
Newcastle eventually suffered defeat. However, Eddie Howe’s team showed a threatening presence on the counterattack despite being bombarded by Liverpool’s attacks. Stand-in captain Dan Burn joyfully celebrated scoring for his childhood club, but the goal was disallowed due to Alexander Isak being in an offside position. Isak later scored, receiving a pass from Anthony Gordon and shooting past Alisson. Botman then headed in a corner from Sean Longstaff. It wasn’t until the combination of Salah and substitutes that Liverpool were able to secure a comfortable lead at the top by defeating Newcastle.
Source: independent.co.uk
