The Premier League finale did not disappoint as Liverpool knocked away Newcastle United 3-1 at St James’ Park.
The game had all the makings of a curious final day fixture when Liverpool uncharacteristically found themselves a goal down in the first minute.
Jonjo Shelvey’s sharp restart found Dwight Gayle racing in behind Joe Gomez and Neco Williams, who were not quite ready.
Liverpool’s responded with typical dominance, having 80% possession but struggling with the pace required to pick apart Newcastle. The Magpies packed their defensive block after taking the lead, looking to counterattack down their left side whenever possible.
Eventually, it took a Virgil van Dijk header to equalize after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain broke to the byline and crossed to find the defender high up the pitch for the goal.
In the second half, Divock Origi shook off his struggles to score a peach to give Liverpool the lead just before the hour mark, just moments before the regular starting forwards came one for the final 30 minutes.
The pace and precision instantly picked up as Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mané all looked like they might have a goal in them. In fact, Mo Salah ripped a shot off the post with his first touch.
In the waning minutes, Mane put the match out of reach, cutting in from the left side and sublimely curling in the Reds’ third goal.
It was a comfortable way to close the campaign as champions.
Here are four findings from the match.
