Coming into the game, [coach 455353]’s men were in fine form after collecting 10 points from their last four games. The two points were dropped after they conceded a late equalizer at Ellan Road against [team 71]. It was another game where they created plenty but conversion was horrendous. With a win against Newcastle, they could have seen themselves in the fourth spot temporarily with [team 1] playing [team 18] in a huge game later on. In terms of Liverpool’s highly critical top four running, this was a crucial matchday.
As for [team 20], they were high in confidence after a couple of tremendous wins of the spin seeing them create a considerably big gap between them and the bottom three. The 3-2 win against West Ham and the 2-2 draw against [team 6] were two characteristic performances by [coach 455377]’s side.
Team News
An unlikely approach from Klopp saw his side starting with their fab four. It’s something that the German does occasionally and always unexpectedly. It was a 4-2-3-1 instead of the usual 4-3-3 with Thiago and [player 1365] partnering in front of the backline. With [player 1494396] still out, Fabinho was deployed at the back to partner [player 5640817].
Steve Bruce kept the form going as he named an unchanged eleven. The new approach to play [player 3071] and [player 1061] at wing-backs has made a difference in Newcastle’s offensive performance. Both wing-backs are recognized wingers which has allowed Newcastle to ha e more joy in the wide areas. Another massive asset is that the two are brilliant at delivering early crosses from deep areas.
First-Half
[team 8] started the game well with their usual high intensity pressing all over the midfield. [player 31857] was dictating the game and with the midfield two sitting deep, the full-backs were given more license to get forward. The magpies were struggling to deal with Liverpool’s counter-pressing. The reds were looking sharp and energetic in the opening stages.
Liverpool’s electric start did pay off as they had an ideal start to the game as their top scorer, [player 4125] scored in the third minute. It was a great finish along with a delicate control before hitting hit powerfully. From Newcastle perspective, it was a poor goal to concede. Mane dinked the ball into the box where Newcastle had a massive numerical advantage. The ball deflected and found its way to Salah whose control and finish were instinctive and fantastic.
Newcastle were hoping for a break and it came when [player 173737] made a strong run only for his effort to be saved excellently by [player 129820]. It was Newcastle’s first moment of threat before the home side took full control.
Liverpool kept coming at Newcastle and the magpies were struggling to contain the dynamic movements all around their final third. [player 159917] had two efforts in the space of a few minutes with both of them not converted.
In the 27th minute, Newcastle escaped from danger as Salah set up [player 1389] only for the Senegalese to miss another glorious opportunity before Newcastle created their own problems. [player 360]’s lousy touch in the box allowed Liverpool to win it back but again, the reds missing a big chance. This time it was Jota whose finish should have seen the net bulge.
Salah then had another massive chance when he was played in by [player 1461]’s beautiful dinked ball in behind. The Egyptian’s touch was slightly heavy which gave Dúbravka the chance to stop Liverpool’s second.
The Newcastle keeper was involved again as Salah played in Mane who tried to go beyond the keeper but failed. Once more, Liverpool not finishing off a clear cut opening. [player 80889] was having a good game as he kept Liverpool’s lead at just one goal. However, with the chances Liverpool did create, they should have killed the game by now.
Second-Half
Newcastle responded well with a threatening start resulting in two crucial involvements from Alisson to deny [player 33645]. However, it didn’t last too long as Dubravka was involved again, this time stopping Firmino’s volley.
[player 197] came in from Jota with Klopp aiming to add an extra body in the midfield. This saw the home side shifting back to their usual 4-3-3. Then, their tireless left back’s effort was slightly off target.
Joelinton was taken off for [player 1065] as Bruce decided to add fresh legs in the front line. Four minutes later, in-form midfielder, Willock came in for centre-back Clark. This did add a bit of offensive fight into the visitors but it was Liverpool who looked likely to kill the game. As they kept pushing for the second goal, [player 4545513] replaced Thiago in the midfield.
Liverpool missed another couple of decent chances before one of the most enthralling finishes to a [league 8] clash. Newcastle thought they had equalised after Wilson’s strong and quick run saw him score. However, a VAR check followed which resulted in a cancellation of the goal as the final touch came of Wilson’s arm.
With this, it was imminent that Liverpool have learnt their lesson and are gonna see out the game. The reds were hanging on as they kept clearing a number of crosses. The game was not done yet as [player 1494447] shot from inside the box and his effort was deflected off [player 96099] and found its way into the net.
Fixture Details: [fixture 16943132]
Liverpool drop points again
Liverpool only have themselves to blame for conceding another late goal and dropping vital points. As much credit as Newcastle deserve for their efforts, the reds should have finished the game in the first half itself. [league 2] football next season looks unlikely if they keep missing decent chances like this.
