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 1-0 Newcastle
22 mins: Liverpool counter with numbers as Luis Diaz slips Diogo Jota in with a run towards the box.
Jota tries to find Salah for an easy tap in but Lewis Hall does well just to throw his body at it and block the delivery.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
17 mins: CLOSE! It’s been all Liverpool since Szoboszlai’s opener, but Newcastle very nearly had their equaliser.
Callum Wilson darts in behind and one-on-one with Alisson, he dinks it past the keeper - only for the ball to run past the post.
Luckily for the striker, the flag goes up so it wouldn’t have counted anyway. But either way, it’s a poor miss.
Penny for Alexander Isak’s thoughts...
'The criticism used to be that he didn't score enough'
“Two goals in two games for Dominik Szoboszlai, four in eight.
“The criticism used to be that, for a No 10 at a club like Liverpool, he didn't score enough. After his terrific performance against Manchester City, he is off to a fine start tonight.
“And while Newcastle's tweak of tactics was a search for solidity, they are 1-0 down already.”
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
11 mins: GOAL! Liverpool are up and running for the night!
Luis Diaz dribbles into the box from the left before firing a deft pass to Dominik Szoboszlai on the penalty spot, who tucks a shot through two legs and past Nick Pope in goal.
Really can’t understate just how instrumental the Hungarian midfielder has been this season. After a bumpy first season on Merseyside, Arne Slot is truly getting the best out of him.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
10 mins: Newcastle finally get an opportunity to break on the counter after early Liverpool dominance.
They’ve got men in black and white surging forward as Murphy receives the ball on the right, but his delivery is poor and goes right over Alisson’s crossbar.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
8 mins: Newcastle have got everyone behind the ball at the moment. They’re just letting Liverpool settle more and more into this game.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
6 mins: Lovely ball from Salah to try and pick out Diaz in behind, but he’s thwarted by a vital intervention by Schar.
Liverpool pinging the ball about with confidence so far.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
3 mins: We’ve got an early penalty claim here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold plays a ball in behind to Mo Salah, who has Lewis Hall with him.
Hall then takes a tumble and brings Salah with him - it looks like a stonewall penalty, but referee Stuart Attwell instead deems it a foul in favour of Newcastle.
Salah looks bewildered. Newcastle have got away with one there.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
1 min: KICK-0FF! The heavens have opened and we’re underway at Anfield.
Kick-off fast approaching
Just a few minutes until kick-off as both sets of teams prepare to step out under the Anfield lights.
Liverpool will be looking to continue full steam ahead after a statement win at Man City on Sunday, chasing down that elusive record-equalling 20th league title.
However, Newcastle won’t go easy, and with aspirations of a Champions League return, they’ll be eager to cause an upset tonight - even if they have to do it without Alexander Isak.
Stay tuned for all the action, right here.
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