Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle: 5 Talking Points as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds register comeback victory | Premier League 2019/20

Sadio Mane’s brace and one from Mohamed Salah helped the Reds to secure a 3-1 victory over the Toons. 

Jurgen Klopp scripts record with the 14th consecutive victory as Liverpool boss. The German International becomes the first manager to register these many amounts of victories for the first time in the history of the club. The Reds had early troubles but bounced back in a superior fashion to manage a 3-1 win.

In the early moments of the game, Newcastle United showed true characteristic by sitting back inside their own half. Steve Bruce’s side had an opportunity to hit through the counter-attack and did that to perfection through Jetro Willems.

The Dutch defender made a lung-bursting run through the left attacking wing to terrorize Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English International did not have time to respond to his turn and watched the ball bulge the back of the net in the seventh minute. The Magpies were defending for their lives, but they were undone by Sadio Mane. Robertson found the Liverpool attacker inside the penalty box, where he had to turn and slot the ball behind Martin Dubravka.

Substitute Roberto Firmino’s defence-splitting pace had too much pace on it – helping Dubravka’s course to cut down the potential threat. But, the shot-stopper spilt the ball, gifting the second goal of the evening for Sadio Mane. In the early moments of the second half, the Magpies could have levelled the score, but right-back Krafth’s poor chance meant that the chance had already gone.

The hosts kept on pushing for the vital third goal, creating tons of chances through the counter-attacks frequently. They finally got the reward through fleeciest of touches from Roberto Firmino to find Mohamed Salah inside the penalty box. The Egyptian took two touches to take the ball away from the defenders, before calmly finding the bottom corner.

It was a much-deserved victory for the Reds after finding themselves on the backfoot. Steve Bruce, on the other hand, will have plenty of incidents to take away and elevate player’s morale.

As we discuss Liverpool’s hard-fought victory, we shall look at the five talking points from the game.

#5 Georginio Wijnaldum’s presence made the difference in the midfield department. 

Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum is a paradox, who splits the fanbases. But, the Dutch International’s presence made a huge difference to the Reds’ 14-consecutive victory today.

Jurgen Klopp operated a midfield of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. From minute one, it was evident about the necessity to protect the backline from getting exploited. During numerous instance in the game, the Magpies had joy through the counter-attack by winning the penultimate second ball to carry the ball forward and cause trouble.

Facing his former side, Wijnaldum’s astute display came to his side rescue as he made crucial interventions and slowed down the ante of the game. Fabinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain were caught out of positions at times, but Wijnaldum was the insurance policy for the hosts.

Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden picked out half-decent passes from the midfield department, but the Dutchman stuck with his defence and prevented his side with his balance. As he’s likely to start against Napoli, Xherdan Shaqiri replaced him in the 82nd minute.