Liverpool secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Newcastle in a game dominated by relentless attacking play. Despite posting a record Premier League expected goals figure of 7.27, Liverpool struggled to put away a resilient Newcastle side.
The match saw a series of missed opportunities, with Mohamed Salah failing to convert a first-half penalty, and Darwin Nunez squandering multiple chances. Newcastle, however, remained in contention, and Alexander Isak canceled out Salah’s opener to level the score at 1-1 with 16 minutes left.
Curtis Jones finally broke the deadlock for Liverpool, followed by Cody Gakpo doubling the lead. Sven Botman pulled one back for Newcastle, but Salah sealed the win with a penalty after Diogo Jota was controversially brought down.
Despite the one-sided statistics, Newcastle made it a tense affair, emphasizing Martin Dubravka’s outstanding performance in goal. Liverpool’s victory extended their lead at the top of the Premier League, showcasing their determination in the title race. Salah, the standout performer, left a lasting impact before heading to the African Cup of Nations. The win marked a strong start to 2024 for Liverpool, positioning them as the team to beat in the title race.