LIVERPOOL rounded off Saturday’s Premier League action with a thrilling 2-0 win against Newcastle.
The Magpies looked more threatening in the opening minutes of the game.
But Darwin Nunez fired Jurgen Klopp’s men ahead before Cody Gakpo doubled their lead.
And things went from bad to worse for the Magpies as Nick Pope was sent off for handling the ball outside the box.
- RESULT: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
- Live stream: NOW TV
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
- Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Gordon, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin
- Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
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Big test for Howe’s Magpies
Eddie Howe will have one of his toughest tests of his tenure as manager.
Everything has been rosy for Newcastle this season but with only one win in their last four games, he needs to pick his players up and ensure that they are in it for the long haul.
Injuries and suspensions are coming at the wrong time for The Magpies and they need to ensure that they can make sure that this is a season to remember.
Focus turns to EFL Cup final
Eddie Howe will need to lift his team before their trip to Wembley to take on Man Utd.
Before today, they were unbeaten in 17 games and need to take confidence from that going into the final.
It will be a big day out for the Geordie faithful and they will want to give the fans a good showing.
Reds give Magpies a reality check
Slowly but surely, Liverpool are starting to get back into their stride again as players return from injury.
One such player, Fabinho probably put his best performance of the season in today, doing what he does best.
When he plays in front of the back four, he offers the team so much more protection, preventing players from getting at Alisson and co.
FT: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool inflict Newcastle’s second defeat of the season.
Eddie Howe will be glad to see the back of Jurgen Klopp and his side.
The visitors should have probably doubled their lead with the chances late on but it is the three points and the clean sheet that will please their manager.
FT: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
The referee brings the game to an end.
Massive win for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool inflict their second win against Newcastle this season.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
90+2. Jota is just not destined to get a goal tonight.
This time he goes around the keeper and shoots but it is cleared off the line for Newcastle.
Robertson wins a corner at the expense of Dan Burn.
Credit: Reuters Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
90. That would have been the icing on the cake for the visitors.
Liverpool come forward as Alexander-Arnold hits a sublime cross to Jota.
He looks to head back across goal and it misses the far post by a whisker.
We are going to have three added minutes.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
88. This was a must-win game for Liverpool today.
The win keeps their dreams of Champions League football alive next season.
Robertson whips in a corner but burn heads behind for another.
They play it short and it is whipped in and Jota misses a sitter with the header.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
86. Saint-Maximin has been the stand-out player for The Magpies today.
As soon as he gets the ball he looks to drive at the Liverpool defence.
The home fans have seemed to have woken up now as they try to get behind their side to drown out the Liverpool fans.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
84. Gordon finds space as he runs through the middle.
He lays the ball off to Wilson but Alisson is quick off his line again to make yet another save.
The Brazilian stopper may be their man of the match today.
Credit: Reuters Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
82. Gordon gives the ball away in his own box.
It is played to Salah who shoots but it is straight at Dubravka.
Liverpool want to find a third goal to kill this game off.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
80. Gordon sprints down the right looking to beat James Milner and get into the box.
The veteran player times his challenge perfectly to dispossess him.
Liverpool counter with numbers in their favour but Ritchie gets back to put the ball behind for a corner.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
78. You have to give credit to Eddie Howe’s side.
It would be easy for heads to drop after the sending off but they have continued to come at the visitors.
Liverpool need to utilise some game management now as they knock the ball around the back four.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
76. Liverpool have numbers over every time they counter.
Some great interplay finds Robertson through on goal again.
He tries to unselfishly find Salah but the pass is behind him.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
74. This will be a massive win for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
As we get towards the run in to the business end of the season, a run of form could be the difference.
Liverpool need to see this game out now.
Credit: Getty
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
72. Good management from Eddie Howe as he starts thinking more of the cup final next week.
You never like to see a player think they know better than their manager.
Flashbacks of Kepa refusing to come off there.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
70. This will be a big loss for Newcastle.
After his shot the midfielder is holding his hamstring.
It looks like Matt Ritchie will be ready to come on for him.
Joelinton does not want to come off, but it looks like Eddie Howe is going to pull rank.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
68. Liverpool almost catch The Magpies on the break again.
This time they get the ball into the wrong player really as Andrew Robertson receives the ball.
His elaborate backheel is going nowhere.
Meanwhile, Joelinton is down, struggling with an injury.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
66. Anthony Gordon will want to impress today.
The ex-Everton player was once on the books of Liverpool as a youngster.
The Magpies are are still pressing, desperate to find a goal that changes the game.
Credit: Reuters Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
64. Newcastle now make changes themselves.
Wilson replaces Isak, while Gordon comes on for Almiron.
Trippier comes off for Murphy.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
62. The ten men of Newcastle are still causing Liverpool problems in defence.
Saint-Maximin in particular is stretching the backline.
Dubravka has done well since coming on also.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
60. Henderson, Gakpo, Bajcetic and Nunez come off.
Jota, Firmino, Milner and Elliott come on.
Some fresh legs to stretch the ten men of Newcastle.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
58. Liverpool counter and the ball is fed to Nunez.
He drops the shoulder and cuts inside onto his right and shoots.
Dubravka gets down and makes a smart save.
Credit: Reuters Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
56. van Dijk heads the ball behind for a Newcastle corner.
It finds Schar but he heads the ball with his eyes closed.
Needless to say his header is well wide of the target.
Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
54. Trippier looks to block a Nunez cross and the Liverpool forward takes a tumble.
He is receiving some medical attention as he lands awkwardly on his shoulder.
Firmino and Jota are warming up for The Reds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
