Liverpool came from behind to defeat Newcastle United 3-1 at Anfield on Thursday night, thanks to goals from Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Reds reduced the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to one point, while the Magpies remained in the relegation zone.
Shelvey stuns Liverpool with an early strike
Newcastle stunned the hosts in the seventh minute when former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey scored against his old club with a clever finish from 20 yards. Shelvey took advantage of a poor clearance by Thiago Alcantara and lobbed the ball over Alisson Becker, who was caught off his line.
The goal was a rare moment of joy for the visitors, who had to deal with a barrage of Liverpool attacks for the rest of the first half. Eddie Howe’s side defended deep and tried to hit on the counter, but they were unable to cope with the pace and movement of Liverpool’s front three.
Jota and Salah turn the game around
Liverpool equalized in the 21st minute when Jota pounced on a rebound after Martin Dubravka saved his initial header. The goal was controversial, as Newcastle defender Isaac Hayden was down with a head injury in the six-yard box, but the referee did not stop the play.
Four minutes later, Liverpool took the lead through Salah, who scored his 22nd goal of the season with a powerful strike from close range. The Egyptian star capitalized on a dreadful backpass by Shelvey, who gifted the ball to Sadio Mane. Mane forced another save from Dubravka, but Salah was on hand to smash home the loose ball.
Salah’s goal meant he equaled Jamie Vardy’s record of scoring or assisting in 15 consecutive Premier League games, a remarkable feat of consistency and quality. The 29-year-old has been involved in 28 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions this season and is widely regarded as the best player in the world right now.
Alexander-Arnold seals the win with a rocket
Newcastle improved after the break and had a couple of chances to level the score. Allan Saint-Maximin, their most dangerous player, tested Alisson with a low shot in the 54th minute, but the Brazilian keeper made a good save. Jacob Murphy and Shelvey also tried their luck from a distance, but neither could find the target.
Liverpool, however, remained in control of the game and sealed the win with a stunning goal from Alexander-Arnold in the 87th minute. The right-back unleashed a thunderous shot from 25 yards that flew past Dubravka and into the top corner, leaving the Newcastle keeper with no chance.
It was a fitting way to end the game, as Alexander-Arnold had been instrumental in Liverpool’s dominance, with his passing and crossing causing problems for the Newcastle defense. The 23-year-old has now scored three goals and provided eight assists in 20 games this season and is one of the best full-backs in the world.
Liverpool keep up the pressure on City
The victory was Liverpool’s third in a row in the league and extended their unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions. The Reds have scored 50 goals and conceded only 12 in 18 league games, and they have the best goal difference in the division.
Liverpool are now one point behind City, who have 44 points from 18 games. The two title rivals will face each other at the Etihad Stadium on January 9, in a game that could have a huge impact on the title race.
Newcastle, on the other hand, is still in trouble, as they have only won one game in 18 league matches. The Magpies have 10 points, three less than 17th-placed Burnley, who have two games in hand. Newcastle will face City next in a daunting fixture at St James’ Park on Sunday.
