Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle United: Reds kickstart 2024 with a blitzkrieg victory over Magpies’ as Salah brace steers them three points clear at the top

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are on seventh heaven as they brushed past a stern test of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, with Mohamed Salah’s brace sealing the deal for Premier League leaders. With this victory, the Reds find themselves three points clear at the top of the table, as a perfect New Year’s gift was presented by the Liverpool players, with Salah leaving for African Cup of Nations in the coming days.

Liverpool ousts Newcastle United

Liverpool has been one of the consistent teams this season, with almost every result getting their way, be it in the Premier League or in the European sector, where they have qualified for the next round in Europa League. They are currently on top of the table, with the second half of the league slated to begin after a short break, and last night’s win against Newcastle United have left them three points clear at the top of the table, with Jurgen Klopp’s men trying to emulate their feat of winning the title few years back. Liverpool’s Egyptian stalwart Mohamed Salah is set to leave his club to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, and his brace proved to be a sweet parting gift for the fans.

With three points and a top spot at stake, Klopp decided to name his strongest eleven. A traditional 4-3-3 formation was wringed in by the boss, as Nunez, Salah and Diaz were vested with attacking responsibilities, with the midfield consisting of the seasoned troika of Szoboszlai, Jones and Endo. The defensive back-four comprised Van Dijk, Konate on the central defense, with Gomez and Alexander-Arnold on the wings. As for Newcastle, Eddie Howe started his regular names on the line-up, with Isak, Gordon and Joelinton spearheading the attack, followed by Guimaraes, Longstaff and Miley on the midfield. Schar, Botman, Livramento and Burn completed the line-up, with Dubravka marshalling the troops from between the sticks.

A snoozing first-half, followed by a blistering second

Liverpool and Newcastle rarely engages in a meagre battle, but last night, it proved that players were lacking the final finishing touch for the first 45 minutes, thus ending on 0-0 at the half-time break. But, Klopp’s men were nothing short of a beast, as they blasted 18 shots in the opening half, but could not manage to get the ball past Dubravka, who had an intense night between the sticks. To add salt to their wounds, Salah missed a spot-kick on the 21-minute mark, as the Egyptian maestro failed to slot the ball past Dubravka, thus keeping the score-line intact at 0-0 on the break. With few more shots on the trot, Liverpool failed to break the deadlock, thus completing a frustrating goalless first half at Anfield. But, little did the fans and players knew what was in for them in the second half, which could turn as a perfect New Year Party for the home fans.

As the players entered the field, six goals followed, with four goals coming from the home side, who activated their beast mode, in scoring world-class goals and leading the side to a chaotic victory. And who else, but fan-favorite and one of the legendary stars ever to grace the Liverpool shirt, Mohamed Salah opened the scoring. It was Nunez who squared up the ball to Salah, as the Egyptian made it count by scoring the opener, thus breaking the deadlock, thus his change of fortunes with change of boots at half-time working well.

But, as is the norm for Magpies’ this season, they just do not lose the game until it is over. They showcased their fighting spirit once again, with Swedish star Alexander Isak cancelled out Salah’s opener.

Few more goals in the bag

Frustration was seemingly rising for the home fans who could see succession of chances which rounded off to nothing, as time was nearing to an end. But, it was Diogo Jota who took matter in his own hands, as he laid on plate a sweet goal for Liverpool’s homegrown Curtis Jones, who slotted the second goal for the Reds, thus restoring the lead.

Cody Gakpo decided to get his name on the score sheet as he scored the third goal from a sensational pass from Salah, thus almost sealing the deal for the home-side. But, Newcastle United sprang a surprise from a corner, as Botman rose the highest to reduce the deficit to one goal, leaving them few minutes to find an equalizer.

Alexis Mac Allister played a magical pass to Jota, with the Portuguese hurling himself at the goal, delaying the game. But, this delay did not save the visitors, as referee pointed to the spot for a penalty, and Salah made no mistake to double the lead, finding the bottom corner this time, thus sealing all three points in a sweet parting gift for the Reds before he leaves for Africa Cup of Nations. With this frantic win, Liverpool steered three points clear at the top of the table, followed by Aston Villa.