Liverpool beat Newcastle 4-2 in a spectacular game at Anfield on Monday night to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table It was a game in which the Reds deserved the points but were made to work incredibly hard by a brave opponent and the inspired goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Mohamed Salah saw a first-half penalty saved, but he scored twice after the break, including another spot-kick to fight off Newcastle’s attempt to troll their way to an unlikely point.
Looking at the match stats, one would expect the scoreline to read 6-0 in the hosts’ favour, but football doesn’t work that way. Another trademark gritty Newcastle performance, combined with an inspired Dubravka, gave us a close game at a soaked Anfield.
The Slovakian goalie saved a first-half penalty from Salah to keep the score goalless at the break, but the Egyptian had an easy task to tap into the net mere five minutes after the restart. At that point, it looked like Liverpool would have an easy task to destroy Newcastle.🚨| The penalty that was given to Liverpool against Newcastle Yellow card for Dubravka. pic.twitter.com/gdKREGOsUl— Red Card Alert (@collinabanter) January 1, 2024 But Eddie Howe’s team proved a tough nut to crack as Anthony Gordon’s amazing run and a well-timed pass played Alexander Isak into a chance, which the Eritrean boy took calmly to level.Wave after wave of Liverpool attack paid dividends, however, as Curtis Jones and substitute Cody Gakpo scored in quick succession to make it 3-1 with 15 minutes to go.Big defender Sven Botman headen in a Sean Longstaff corner with ten minutes of the ninety remaining to set up a potentially thrilling ending in front of the crowd, including former Liverpool aces Roberto Firmino and Fabinho.🚨 Roberto Firmino & Fabinho are both at Anfield tonight as Liverpool face Newcastle in the Premier League! pic.twitter.com/yTBplLDKHF— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) January 1, 2024 But Dubravka felled Diogo Jota in the box to hand Salah another chance to convert from the penalty spot. This time, Mo made no mistake and he sealed the points that put Jurgen Klopp’s team five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 20SaturdayLuton Town – Chelsea 2-3 (0-2)/Barkley 80, Adebayo 87 – Palmer 12, 70, Madueke 37/Aston Villa – Burnley 1-1 (1-1)/Bailey 29 – Amdouni 31/Crystal Palace – Brentford 1-1 (1-1)/Olise 14 – Lewis-Potter 2/Man.City – Sheffield Utd 1-0 (1-0)/Rodri 14/Wolverhampton – Everton 1-0 (1-0)/Kilman 25/Nott.Forest – Man.Utd. 2-1 (0-0)/Dominguez 64, Gibbs-White 83 – Rashford 78/SundayTottenham – Bournemouth 3-1 (1-0)/Sarr 9, Son 71, Richarlison 80 – Scott 84/Fulham – Arsenal 2-1 (1-1)/Jimenez 29, Decordova-Ried 59 – Saka 5/MondayLiverpool – Newcastle United 4-2 (0-0)/Salah 49, 86 pen, Jones 74, Gakpo 78 – Isak 54, Botman 81/Tuesday22:30: (2.50) West Ham (3.45) Brighton (2.75)***odds are subject to change***