Discover how Mac Allister’s stunning strike secured Liverpool’s 2-0 victory. Explore match highlights, player performances, and key moments from the game.
Introduction:
Liverpool moved another step closer to the Premier League title with a dominant 2-0 win over Newcastle United at Anfield on Wednesday. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scored the goals, taking Liverpool’s lead at the top to 13 points, as second-placed Arsenal dropped points with a draw against Nottingham Forest.
In spite of playing five league games in a matter of two weeks, the Reds did not tire as they went on to make their relentless march towards domestic honors. Newcastle, who were without top scorer Alexander Isak, could not capitalize on their chances and now trail the top four by three points in their bid to return to the Champions League.
Liverpool Begins Well, Szoboszlai Ends the Stalemate
Liverpool didn’t take long to prove their superiority, driving forward with purpose from the kick-off. They had a penalty claim dismissed before their first concerted effort on goal ended in a score. See also: Clinical Salah Secures 3 Points as Liverpool Extend Title Lead
Then in the 11th minute, Luis Díaz’s brilliant cutback left Szoboszlai to fire home the opener with his low-driven strike beating Nick Pope. The Hungarian midfielder, so in form recently, continued his knack of performing under pressure when it mattered.
Newcastle, under pressure as they were, had a golden opportunity to level in the first half. Callum Wilson was played through on goal but pulled his shot wide, a miss that ultimately came back to haunt him. Isak being ruled out with a groin injury meant Newcastle did not have the finishing prowess to hurt Liverpool.
Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah also had opportunities but could not find the target, and the first half ended with Liverpool leading narrowly but justifiably.
Mac Allister Seals the Victory
Newcastle tried to mount a response upon the interval, but Liverpool’s high press and rapid transitions persisted in giving them issues. The turning point arose in the 63rd minute when Salah performed a stepdance past defenders in the box before playing a through ball to Mac Allister, who finished immaculately inside the top-left corner.
A moment of outright quality from the Argentine, bookending another authoritative display in the middle of the park.
Liverpool Strive for a Third, Newcastle Hold Firm
Liverpool almost made it three when Diaz stretched to meet a wonderful pass from Salah but could only nudge his effort out of play. Salah himself was close, forcing Pope into a save with a low shot.
Cody Gakpo believed he had scored a third when he seized upon a knocked-out ball from Pope, but the effort was called off for the reason that the Newcastle goalkeeper had been fouled by the attacker.
As the game slipped from their grasp, Newcastle turned attention to damage limitation, keeping the scoreline respectable. For a moment, they pushed hard at the end, but never at any stage appeared to be troubling Liverpool’s hold on the game.
Liverpool Keep Their Foot on the Gas
In spite of a packed schedule, Liverpool have flourished rather than buckling. They entered this gruelling sequence a six-point winner and now maintain a dominant 13-point advantage.
The width of Liverpool’s squad has come to the rescue, with Szoboszlai coming of age as Salah, who had scored in his last four outings, took a creator’s turn rather than scoring goals.
With just 10 games remaining in the league, Liverpool have placed themselves in an excellent position to win their second Premier League title under Jürgen Klopp.
Szoboszlai Keeps Shining
Szoboszlai has been in his best form at the right moment for Liverpool. Having played a crucial role in the victory against Manchester City, he again performed against Newcastle, scoring the first goal and controlling the pace of the match.
His fitness and energy levels, even after a grueling run of fixtures, highlight his importance to this Liverpool side as they enter the final stretch of the season.
Newcastle’s Struggles Against Top Sides Continue
Newcastle have had some impressive wins on the road this season, including victories at Old Trafford and the Emirates, but Anfield remains an unconquered fortress.
Eddie Howe’s team put up a better fight than their disastrous 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, but their defensive positioning was once again exposed. Both Liverpool goals came from situations where Newcastle’s full-backs had pushed too high, leaving gaps that the home side ruthlessly exploited.
Isak’s Absence Felt in Attack
Newcastle did not have a cutting edge in front of goal, with Wilson’s failure to score underlining their issues. Isak’s availability could have proved to be the difference, and Howe will be hoping to get his leading scorer back in time for their important EFL Cup final next month.
What’s Next?
Liverpool: The Reds enjoy a richly deserved rest before they make the trip to Paris to take on PSG in the Champions League, a make-or-break examination as they strive for several titles.
Newcastle: Newcastle look ahead to next month’s EFL Cup final, where they will have another opportunity to defeat Liverpool. They first need to regroup for their league matches ahead as they pursue a top-four finish.