Premier League: Liverpool Secures Exciting Win Over Newcastle Thanks to Mohamed Salah’s Double Goal

Mohamed Salah’s double helped Liverpool secure a 4-2 win over Newcastle at Anfield, extending Newcastle’s losing streak and placing Liverpool three points ahead in the Premier League on Monday.

Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Martin Dubravka’s outstanding goalkeeping, including a save from Salah’s first-half penalty, kept the scoreline from widening. Salah, Curtis Jones, and Cody Gakpo scored in the second half, handing Newcastle their seventh loss in eight matches.

Liverpool enters the Premier League’s winter break with a five-point lead over rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, surprising many with Aston Villa in second place. Jurgen Klopp praised the team’s performance, citing their strong start and expressing satisfaction with the game’s aspects, except for the conceded goals.

Newcastle, meanwhile, is struggling in ninth place, 11 points away from the top four, intensifying pressure on manager Eddie Howe. The team’s poor away record this season has only added to the challenges.

Anfield saw stormy conditions, with Liverpool registering a record high expected goals in a Premier League game at 7.53. Howe acknowledged the team’s effort and determination, attributing the struggle to missing players and a congested fixture schedule.

Dubravka, filling in for injured Nick Pope, denied Darwin Nunez several times, despite Liverpool’s intense pressure. Salah missed a chance to score his 150th Premier League goal due to Dubravka’s penalty save, and he acknowledged the need to refocus for the second half.

Liverpool finally broke through with Salah scoring from Nunez’s assist. However, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak equalized shortly after. The match continued to favor Liverpool, with Nunez missing another opportunity.

Substitutes Jota and Gakpo made an impact, with Jota assisting Jones and Gakpo scoring from Salah’s cross. Botman scored for Newcastle, but Liverpool secured victory with Salah’s successful penalty after a controversial call against Dubravka.

Klopp, unable to watch the penalty, celebrated as Liverpool ensured a positive start to 2024.