Liverpool record routine win over Newcastle

Newcastle were flat throughout the game, offering little attacking threat, and Liverpool took full advantage. Their front three has become one of the most potent attacking units in world football, and so it proved today, with Mane and Salah both hitting the back of the net and Firmino involved in the build up to the second.

Credit to the ‘Magpies’, as they did become the first team to prevent Liverpool from scoring inside the opening 30 minutes for seven games. However, the deadlock was broken shortly after. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain picked up a loose ball in midfield and carried it forward before playing Salah in to the right of goal. The Egyptian took it first time on his left foot and it found its way in via a touch off Dubravka in goal.

Newcastle came closest just before halftime. Mo Diame hit a curling effort toward goal that brought a fantastic save from Karius at full stretch and that was the half.

10 minutes into the second half and Liverpool made it 2-0 with a lovely move. Firmino played the final pass before Mane took the ball in stride and slotted a finish into the right hand corner. It was Liverpool’s 200th goal under Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League. Only Manchester City have scored more in that time.

Benitez's side did try to apply some late pressure, but Liverpool’s defence held firm, Lovren and van Dijk looking like a composed partnership at the back.

 

3 March 2018

With the three points, Liverpool move into second place for now, with the teams behind them playing on Sunday. Mo Salah continues his remarkable season - he’s now ahead of Luis Suarez’s numbers during his best season on Merseyside and is quickly closing in on Fernando Torres.

 

3 March 2018

Newcastle meanwhile remain two points clear of the drop zone, with Crystal Palace playing Manchester United on Monday. In truth this was never a game they would have been targeting, and clashes against Huddersfield and Southampton will no doubt shape their season.