Liverpool visited Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at St James Park and took all three points after a 2-0 win.
Newcastle nearly exploded out of the gates and was advancing with fervor, but it was the visitors who seized the lead through Nunez, who found himself unmarked on the outskirts of the box and slammed his strike past Pope.
Following a just exquisite cross over the top from Salah, Gakpo extended the advantage just seven minutes later, leaving Newcastle behind 2-0 after just 17 minutes.
The Magpies continued their valiant offensive efforts, but Pope’s rush of blood to the head caused him to handball it outside of his area, earning him a red card and a suspension for the crucial Carabao Cup final against Man United the following week.
Howe was forced to make a lineup change, substituting Dubravka for Anderson, and it nearly paid off when Burn rattled the crossbar just before halftime.
However, because they were down at the break, the Magpies were unable to make up any ground.
Like in the first frame, the Magpies launched an immediate onslaught. Isak tried to nod the ball for Saint-Maximin in the box, but Alisson was there to put out the fire.
When the big men lined up, Trippier got a free-kick close to the halfway point but was unable to beat the first man.
Newcastle never stopped attacking, but Liverpool managed to maintain their lead.
What about Liverpool’s outcome, though? It was kind of the ideal outcome for them because they needed a big win, didn’t it?
Nunez and Gakpo scored goals, both of whom had received criticism for their recent goal-scoring performances, and Alexander-Arnold put on an outstanding performance.
Early on, it was also possible to rest a few players, which lessened the impact of the game versus only 10 players somewhat.
And it appears that Liverpool does too Because Alisson was outstanding today.p0
He made four significant stops during the contest and twice claimed the ball beneath crosses to give his defense some stability and break their skid of three consecutive away losses.
Alisson was outstanding for Liverpool tonight, and his effort in goal earned him the clean sheet.
But the news this night will be completely focused on his opposite number.
Salah was closing in on the penalty area when Pope intentionally handled the ball outside of his box and received a red card.
Sad news about Pope’s dismissal, which will keep him out of the Carabao Cup final next week.
On Tuesday 21st February, Real Madrid will be a whole different animal, but things couldn’t have gone much better for Klopp and company.
