Arsenal’s Slip Used: Liverpool Extends Lead to 13 Points

Top teams play strong and successful football, and few European clubs have demonstrated that better this season than Liverpool. Once again, they lived up to their status as favorites in this 27th Premier League matchday against Newcastle United.

Solid Performance in the Rain

Liverpool did not put on a dazzling display at a rainy Anfield, but that didn’t matter to coach Arne Slot. Similar to their commanding 2-0 victory over defending champions Manchester City, the Reds put in a focused performance.

Liverpool’s defense, led by captain Virgil van Dijk and supported by full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas, kept Newcastle at bay. The visitors had only one major opportunity in the 30th minute: A quick intercepted throw-in led to a through ball for Wilson, who broke past Konaté. One-on-one with Alisson, Wilson completely misfired, missing the chance to equalize after their recent thrilling 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest.

Szoboszlai Makes the Difference

At halftime, Newcastle found themselves trailing 1-0. The only goal so far came in the 11th minute, courtesy of a mistake by the visitors. Luis Diaz laid the ball back to Szoboszlai, who was left completely unmarked. The former RB Leipzig midfielder fired a low left-footed shot through two defenders’ legs. Newcastle’s keeper Pope struggled to react and failed to stop the ball. Szoboszlai almost doubled the lead in the 36th minute but narrowly missed.

Liverpool Maintains Control

The game remained uneventful from a neutral perspective after the break. With manager Slot serving a suspension and watching from the stands, Liverpool confidently controlled the game and managed their narrow lead. Newcastle failed to create any real chances, while Liverpool played with discipline rather than urgency.

Mac Allister Seals the Win – Arsenal Helps

Despite Liverpool’s measured approach, they secured a second goal in the 63rd minute. Mac Allister initiated the attack and passed to Salah, who skillfully dribbled, feigned a shot, and returned the ball to Mac Allister. The Argentine finished clinically into the bottom left corner, leaving Pope helpless. That goal sealed the win on a rainy night at Anfield.

Salah had a few more chances to make it 3-0 late in the game but couldn’t convert, leaving him goalless in this professional 2-0 victory.

Liverpool Extends Their Lead

With this dominant win, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table to 13 points, at least temporarily. This was aided by Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest earlier.

Liverpool’s next match is a high-stakes Champions League Round of 16 first leg against PSG next Wednesday (9 PM). Newcastle, on the other hand, will face Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday at 2:45 PM.