The potential depth of Liverpool’s team may play a major role in determining the outcome of the title race, as demonstrated by their recent victory against Newcastle.

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.

During the match between Liverpool and Newcastle, known for their iconic 4-3 encounters, the two teams played an exciting game with a final score of 4-2. However, the six goals scored were just one aspect of the eventful game. This game reflected Liverpool’s season theme of not taking the easy road, but their depth in talent was showcased as Mohamed Salah dramatically left for the African Cup of Nations.

It was a night of mixed emotions for him, but ultimately a victorious one. He managed to score twice, bringing his total number of goals for the season to 18, and also contributed an assist. However, he also missed a penalty. This performance showcased one of Salah’s greatest strengths, which is also shared by his team, Liverpool. They were unstoppable, recording a total of 34 shots throughout the game. Despite Newcastle managing to keep the score level for 69 minutes, Liverpool’s persistence paid off and they were able to take the lead. However, they quickly lost it again. Although there was initially a hint of a repeat of their previous match against Manchester United, where they had 34 shots but no goals, the outcome of this game was very different.

Newcastle, however, was no stranger to this situation. This marked their seventh loss in eight games and their yearly defeat at Anfield, where they have not won in 30 years. While Salah’s performance had its oddities, so did Martin Dubvraka’s: the goalie let in four goals, including a penalty, but still put on an impressive display. He almost prevented Liverpool from scoring. Newcastle also put up a fight, managing to score with only their second and fifth attempts while facing a barrage of shots from the opposing team.

Klopp’s team’s constant running eventually wore them down. The pace of Liverpool’s game was exhilarating, especially during the rainy match at Anfield. The game was full of action, including disallowed goals, a missed penalty, impressive saves, and frustrating calls by the inconsistent Anthony Taylor.

One significant play occurred at the beginning. Luis Diaz’s angled sprint towards the goal was stopped when he was tripped by Sven Botman. Salah took the penalty shot with great force but it went straight down the middle, Dubravka managed to block it, and then Trent Alexander-Arnold missed the rebound by hitting it too hard and sending it over the crossbar. Later on, there was a boldness to Alexander-Arnold’s actions as he attempted a half-volley from an extremely narrow angle, which ended up hitting the post.

Despite the final score, it was a night of redemption for Dubravka who has faced challenges since Nick Pope’s injury put him back in the spotlight. In addition to saving a penalty, he made an incredible point-blank block to prevent Nunez’s volley, a double save from the Uruguayan (the first being when he escaped punishment for a nudge on Botman and went clear on goal), and multiple other stops. His resistance started early when Nunez expertly touched a cross from Salah, and continued throughout the game. He also made an impressive save on a shot from Gakpo shortly after the Dutchman came onto the field.

The game featured five current Liverpool strikers, including two substitutes and the three starters, as well as a former striker. Upon Roberto Firmino’s return to Anfield, the current attacking trio worked together to score the first goal. Diaz showed clever thinking by setting up Nunez, who is the opposite of Firmino but was brought on as his replacement, to pass to Salah for an easy goal. Although Nunez’s actions may be unpredictable, Salah seems to know what to expect as he often benefits from Nunez’s assists.

However, due to Nunez’s wastefulness, Klopp substituted him off along with the energetic Diaz. Jota was brought on and he played a one-two with Salah, making a run into the penalty area and setting up Curtis Jones for a clear shot at goal. Gakpo then scored with a deflected shot from Salah’s cross. In the end, Jota was taken down after successfully getting past Dubravka. Some believed Jota had dived, but Salah confidently converted the penalty from 12 yards.

Newcastle ultimately lost the match. Despite facing a barrage of Liverpool’s attacks, Eddie Howe’s team posed a threat on the counterattack. Dan Burn, filling in as captain, cheered after scoring a header for his childhood club to take the lead, but the goal was disallowed due to Alexander Isak being in an offside position. Instead, Isak scored by receiving a pass from Anthony Gordon and shooting past Alisson. Sven Botman then headed in a corner from Sean Longstaff. It wasn’t until both Mohamed Salah and the substitutes came on that Liverpool secured a comfortable lead at the top.

Source: independent.co.uk