Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE: Result and reaction as the Reds extend their lead at the top of the Premier League
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle: Arne Slot’s side got over the line in comfortable fashion to extend their lead at the top once again
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points as they breezed past Newcastle United 2-0 in another comprehensive victory.
The Reds started quickly at Anfield, with in-form Dominik Szoboszlai tucking past Nick Pope to open the scoring on 11 minutes.
The hosts continued to tick the ball about nicely for the majority of the first half - but that wasn’t to say the opening 45 minutes was devoid of Newcastle threat, with Callum Wilson having a pair of glorious opportunities to draw parity.
Those chances went abegging for the Magpies, who were punished after the break as Alexis Mac Allister fired into the top corner to give Liverpool breathing space - set up by Mohamed Salah, who registered his 42nd goal involvement in 28 league games.
That was enough for Arne Slot’s side to comfortably get over the line in their Carabao Cup final precursor - and with title rivals Arsenal dropping points once again at Nottingham Forest, the win took Liverpool an eye-watering 13 points clear at the Premier League’s pinnacle.
Relive all the action and reaction from Anfield here:
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
89 mins: Salah once again goes for that outside of the foot shot and comes close to beating Pope, who palms the effort away.
He’s trying to do something special with a trivela.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
87 mins: Another double substitution for Liverpool as Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez enter the fray in place of Mac Allister and Diaz.
Nunez’s work-rate has been questioned by Slot over recent weeks, let’s see if he can win his boss back over with a high-energy cameo tonight.
For the Magpies, Sean Longstaff is also on for Guimaraes.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
86 mins: Newcastle ticking it around the box as they look to make something of an interesting finale by nicking one back late on.
A dinked delivery goes towards Schar at but the ball bounces off his head and goes out for a goal-kick.
'Slot's finishers charged with ensuring nothing happens'
“A rare quadruple change from Eddie Howe may have been a sign of his dissatisfaction.
“Slot increasingly seems to see Wataru Endo and Jarell Quansah as his finishers, men to see a game out.
“They have come on together, charged with ensuring nothing happens.”
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
80 mins: Liverpool counter from a Newcastle corner with Mo Salah, who drives into the attacking half.
Jacob Murphy tries tugging him back not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times, before finally Salah gives in and the whistle is blow.
First card of the night for Murphy.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
76 mins: Another couple of substitutions to speak of, this time for Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold makes way for Jarell Quansah, and Ryan Gravenberch is off Wataru Endo.
Two subs that so often have helped Liverpool get games over the line this season.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
73 mins: CLOSE! So close to three for the Reds!
Mo Salah has another run down the left and plays a stunning trivela - a pass he likes to use more and more nowadays - towards the back-post, where Luis Diaz is on-rushing.
Diaz gets there but can’t divert the ball into the net. That would’ve been some goal.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
70 mins: Eddie Howe is opting for wholesale changes.
Four substitutions at once as Livramento, Tonali, Willock and Wilson all make way for Trippier, Miley, Barnes and Osula.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
65 mins: Newcastle look to quickly get a goal back after the restart as Anthony Gordon dances onto the byline before cutting it back, but no-one in black and white is there to tuck home.
Up the other end, it’s Salah causing the problems again as he evades the challenge of Hall before winning a corner.
This is feeling like a good night for the league leaders.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
63 mins: GOAL! WONDERFUL FROM THE REDS!
Newcastle are sloppy in possession and Liverpool are sure to punish, the ball finding Mohamed Salah inside the box.
The Egyptian turns provider to poke it into the path of Mac Allister, who expertly fires into the top corner.
Yet ANOTHER goal contribution for Salah. That’s now 32 in 28. Ludicrous numbers.
Liverpool have breathing space. There’s a celebratory feel at Anfield.
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