Match report and free highlights as Liverpool make arduous work of placing away Newcastle regardless of making a report Premier League anticipated objectives determine of seven.27

Liverpool moved three factors clear within the Premier League title race after beating Newcastle 4-2 in a pulsating sport they dominated however solely sealed late on.

Jurgen Klopp’s relentless aspect posted 34 pictures within the match to a backdrop of seven.27 of anticipated objectives – probably the most created by one aspect in a Premier League sport since Opta began recording the information in 2010.

But it was by no means a simple night as Newcastle have been degree at 1-1 with 16 minutes to play after Alexander Isak had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s opener.

Salah had already missed a first-half penalty by that time whereas Darwin Nunez wasted two massive probabilities from his eight pictures at purpose as Liverpool inexplicably did not edge in entrance.

However, Curtis Jones lastly put the hosts clear earlier than Cody Gakpo doubled the cushion moments later.

Somehow, regardless of the one-sided nature of the stats, Newcastle obtained inside one purpose when Sven Botman headed house however Salah scored from the penalty spot after Diogo Jota controversially went down below problem from Martin Dubravka with the purpose gaping.

It was an evening the place Salah delivered in his final involvement earlier than the African Cup of Nations as Klopp’s aspect prolonged their benefit on the high of the desk. Liverpool begin 2024 with a bang. They are those to catch.

Salah retains his nerve to sign Liverpool’s title intent…

Salah ought to have put his aspect in entrance when Luis Diaz was introduced down by Botman however his fourth miss in his final 10 spot-kicks left Liverpool goalless regardless of a dominant first half. Trent Alexander-Arnold by some means additionally managed to spoon the rebound over the crossbar from eight yards.

Dubravka, within the aspect as a result of Nick Pope’s long-term damage, had a type of nights the place he was repelling all the things Liverpool threw at him, particularly from Nunez. He was responsible of a giant miss from Alexander-Arnold’s lengthy go from inside his personal penalty space, capturing straight at Dubravka earlier than additionally lacking the rebound.

Dan Burn additionally had a purpose dominated out for offside, however it was a uncommon assault for the guests, who solely had one shot within the first half.

Nunez launched a counter-attack after half time and this time selected the appropriate possibility in squaring for Salah to open the scoring. Dubravka then denied Nunez from point-blank vary and a volley on the run, and even Isak’s well-taken breakaway purpose with their first effort for the reason that eighth minute did not halt the onslaught.

Nunez departed for Gakpo and Jota and Liverpool improved for the modifications as they hunted the successful purpose.

It was Jones that was to not be denied, tapping house after Jota had squared from Salah’s go. There was to be no approach again for Newcastle when Gakpo bundled house Salah’s cross and though Botman headed in from a nook, Liverpool had yet one more purpose up their sleeve. It got here when Jota raced by and was deemed to be introduced down by Dubravka and Salah was in a position to log off in model from the spot.

It moved Liverpool three factors away from second-placed Aston Villa and at the moment out of the attain of Manchester City, who at the moment are 5 behind with a sport in hand.

Nev: Liverpool are potential champions

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville:

“Liverpool are potential champions because of where they are. Their manager is a sensational manager who knows how to do it. And they have three or four players who are world class. Van Dijk, Salah and Alisson but you have to add Alexander-Arnold in, particularly on the ball he’s sensational.

“With these gamers match and the supervisor they’ve, in the event that they get into the run-in they will in all probability be the one workforce City will not need towards them as a result of they know they’ve crushed them earlier than.”

Klopp: Salah is a goal scoring machine

Jurgen Klopp talking to Sky Sports:

“Mo is a goal scoring machine. It would have helped if he’d scored the first penalty to be 100 per cent honest, but it’s all fine and that’s how it is. He’ll never stop doing these things.

“It’s actually extraordinarily particular… Darwin had a few probabilities as nicely. In this second I might say 99.9 per cent of gamers would have tried to complete the scenario off themselves however he squares the ball. It’s actually particular, I’ve to say wow.

“It was a special game, special night.”

Howe annoyed on Jota penalty name

Eddie Howe talking to Sky Sports:

“A lot happened. Action packed game. We’re disappointed with the way we defended.

“I did not suppose the second was a penalty. And I did suppose Sean Longstaff’s one earlier than that was.

“It shouldn’t be given. Martin has pulled his hand away. He’s had two steps before going down. For me it’s not a penalty. Even the first one the contact was so minimal. We feel hard done by.

“You must have the mindset that you simply create your luck. Feeling sorry for your self by no means has any constructive consequence.

“The players gave everything. I back the quality of the group. In time we’ll get the results we need.”

Opta stats: Sensational Salah

• Salah has scored 150 Premier League objectives for Liverpool, turning into simply the fifth participant to achieve this milestone for a single membership within the competitors after Harry Kane for Tottenham (213), Sergio Agüero for Man City (184), Wayne Rooney for Man Utd (183) and Thierry Henry for Arsenal (175).
• Liverpool at the moment are unbeaten in 28 consecutive house Premier League video games towards Newcastle (W23 D5), the joint longest house unbeaten run by a aspect towards a selected opponent within the competitors’s historical past (Chelsea vs Everton, additionally an ongoing run of 28).
• Newcastle have misplaced 5 of their final six Premier League video games (W1), struggling 5 successive away defeats for the primary time since January 2021.

What’s next?

Liverpool head south to face Arsenal within the FA Cup third spherical on Sunday January 7; kick-off 4.30pm.

Newcastle journey to rivals Sunderland within the FA Cup third spherical on Saturday January 6; kick-off 12.45pm.