Rafa Benitez may be loved in Liverpool, but the Reds finally issued him with a visiting defeat for the first time. In a markedly mature performance, Liverpool knocked back Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield.
Former Reds manager Benitez set up his side to defend from the start. In the opening 40 minutes, the Magpies barely touched the ball. Liverpool dominated with over 80% of the possession. Yet, Newcastle remained content to frustrate, dropping deep but pressing high, forcing Liverpool to be patient.
The Reds kept ticking over, probing and pulling back, maintaining possession but lacking precision at pivotal points. Final passes went wanting and players went slipping, until the moment arrived. Liverpool punished a Newcastle mistake to break the game open. Newcastle failed to simply clear their lines and Liverpool pounced. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain drove through the centre and fed Mo Salah for the finish.
While Newcastle did have one brief chance before the break, the match was never really in doubt. The second half proved more of the same until Sadio Mané doubled the lead in the 55th minute, effectively ending the match. Liverpool cooled and cruised for most of the duration. Despite a couple of penalty shouts, the Reds are beginning to show an ability to see a game out.
Here are four findings from the match.
Comments.
Loading comments…