Newcastle vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction as Naby Keita nets winner
Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool: Follow reaction as the Reds edge past the Magpies to leapfrog Man City atop the Premier League table
Naby Keita ensured Liverpool’s quadruple hopes remain very much alive as he fired them to victory at in-form Newcastle to keep up the pressure on Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Keita’s assured first-half finish was enough to claim a 1-0 win at St James’ Park on a day when Reds manager Jurgen Klopp was able to rest Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Mohamed Salah from his startling line-up ahead of Tuesday’s decisive Champions League semi-final trip to Villarreal.
Liverpool might - and probably should - have won more comfortably in front of a boisterous crowd of 52,281 as they held the upper hand for much of a contest which saw the Magpies’ hopes of a fifth successive league win and a seventh on the trot at home wilt in the face of almost constant pressure.
Eddie Howe’s men were never able to build up the kind of head of steam which has eased them clear of the relegation battle, perhaps a reminder of how far they have to go before they can once again compete with English football’s best on a sustained basis.
Follow all the reaction from a crucial Reds win at St James’ Park below:
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
If you want to catch up on what happened in the match then check out our report below as Manchester City took another step towards their fourth Premier League title in five years.
Man City hit four to see off spirited Leeds and maintain edge in title race
Leeds 0-4 Man City: Rodrigo headed the visitors in front before Ake, Jesus and Fernandinho added gloss as the hosts missed several chances of their own
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
Ilkay Gundogan is the third Manchester City player to react to their win over Leeds.
“It was a huge test. Leeds started with a lot of intensity. They made our lives difficult,” he told Sky Sports.
“The first goal helped us a lot. They were more than in the game in the first half. After the second one we could move the ball better and create chances.”
On his early block: “The key is to not panic in these situations. I’m not the quickest but I was able to get back and make the block. Defensively we were able to block a lot of shots today. Not conceding today was important. The next game in Madrid will be crucial.”
On Liverpool playing first: “It’s always as tough as you make it for yourself. We have to manage these situations. Sometimes they’ll play first. Sometimes we’ll play first. The responsibility is always there to win all the games. Every game is a final now.”
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
Pep Guardiola has hailed his side’s ‘incredible result’ after Manchester City swatted Leeds aside this evening.
He told Sky Sports: “We knew coming here the way they play, we suffered a lot in the first half. But in the end we had control and could have scored more. An incredible result for us. They are so fast up front. Today was so important to make our chances to be champions again.
“We defended well and sometimes these type of games set-pieces become so important. With Nathan Ake on the pitch, we are so strong. What a game Laporte played, he is doing an incredible season. We have five games to go, potentially six until the end of the season.
“I prefer to feel less pressure than I am feeling. It is a long season and this is the last effort.”
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
Aymeric Laporte, who was involved in a nasty head clash in the first half, has given his thoughts on the match.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m very happy because the team won. It’s very important to win in this way. It’s very important for us for the future.”
On the head injury: “I didn’t know. It was a big shock. I fell down and I didn’t know exactly what happened. Very quickly they asked me if I was good. They asked me questions if I remembered everything and if everything was OK so I could play.”
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
And here is the final goal of the afternoon as substitute Fernandinho lashes home Manchester City’s fourth of the evening.
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
Leeds, meanwhile, sit five points above Everton in the relegation zone. The Toffees face Chelsea tomorrow afternoon in a seismic game in the battle to avoid the drop.
It’s hotting up at the top and bottom of the table.
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
Here was Gabriel Jesus’ goal which put the game beyond any doubt as Manchester City went 3-0 up in the closing stages.
FT: Leeds 0-4 Man City
Full-time: Manchester City respond to Liverpool’s win with a victory of their own.
They were made to work hard for it for the best part of an hour after Rodri gave them an early lead. Leeds had their moments in the match before Nathan Ake tucked home the visitors’ second. Gabriel Jesus made it three with a smart finish after a second assist of the afternoon from Phil Foden. And Fernandinho thumped home a fourth late on.
A good performance from the champions. They return to the top of the table.
GOAL! Leeds 0-4 Man City (Fernandinho, 90+3)
90+3 mins: Fernandino with a rare goal!
Sterling goes down looking for a penalty and when referee Paul Tierney says no, Fernandinho steps onto the ball and thumps it into the bottom corner.
And that’s the final action.
Leeds 0-3 Man City
90 mins: Leeds should have had a consolation. Dan James goes round Ederson but his effort is blocked on the line.
Gundogan then heads just wide at the other end, before Ederson denies Gelhardt with a good save with his foot.
Could have been three goals in the last three attacks. As it is, it’s still 3-0.
And there is three minutes of stoppage time. Of which we have already had one.
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