Match review: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool
1-0 wins are always a bit nervy but truth be told, we never really looked like conceding and squandered a number of good opportunities to kill the game off earlier.
There were some concerns with the lineup before kick off, I thought the decision to change our entire right flank and then play Diaz out of position on that side was a strange call from Klopp but as ever, who are we to question the great man.
I thought Gomez was excellent again, every time he’s played RB this season he’s been very good, yet I still constantly hear people saying we need to sign a backup RB. Do we really? We’ll do well to get a backup RB who will play the role better than Gomez has these past few games he’s played. His added pace and physicality was important in nullifying Saint Max… Saint Maxim… their left winger and a better finish from Mane after a smart cut back from Joe and he’d have had consecutive assists in his last two appearances. The centre backs were rock solid again and Robbo… the energy the lad has is incredible. To win that tackle and then sprint three quarters of the pitch with the ball in stoppage time was unbelievable and I’m sure Klopp loved that level of effort and desire.
Midfield, people were also concerned with the inclusion of Milner, however those fears were also quickly abated as Mr Reliable turned up once more and it was his crucial tackle that led to the opening goal. His display was enough for BT’s man of the match but not enough for McMOTM I’m afraid James. That esteemed honour is going to his midfield partner Naby Keita who I thought was excellent. Good in the press, showed a nice range of passing and showed great composure to sit the keeper down before scoring what would ultimately be the winner. Hendo also taking a lead out of Thiago’s book with a 93% passing accuracy, I think the midfield can be happy with their afternoon’s work.
Our forwards looked lively and if there was to be a criticism of today’s performance it would be that we didn’t take more of our chances. Both Mane and Jota had good chances to kill the game off and Salah just couldn’t get the ball under his control as he was bearing down on the keeper. Diaz didn’t look as comfortable on the right but still made sure Targett knew he’d been in a game and again caused Newcastle all kinds of problems when switched to the left. His balance is a thing to behold at times.
Anyway, take a bow Jurgen. He rang the changes, trusted the boys and they repaid him with a display of complete dominance at a very tricky away fixture against a team in form. Imagine being a Newcastle player and after being run ragged for over an hour, you look up and see Salah and Fabinho coming on, closely followed by Thiago. Their hearts must just sink.
Anyway, another tick for Dimi’s win column and pressure back on City as they face what will hopefully be a tricky trip to Elland Road. Leeds are such an unpredictable team but they do have some good players capable of nicking a goal.
On to Villarreal then and two goals to the good, Villarreal will have to change tactics at home and have a go at us, which should play right into our hands and I can’t see them scoring twice against us without reply and with every passing game, history and greatness get a little closer. Walk on!
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