Liverpool strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race with a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle, stretching their advantage at the top to 13 points.
While Arsenal, their nearest challengers, dropped points in a goalless encounter at Nottingham Forest, Arne Slot’s men capitalized on the opportunity with a composed performance at Anfield.
Watching from the stands due to his two-match touchline suspension, Slot saw his team take an early lead as Dominik Szoboszlai found the net in the 11th minute with a mis-hit strike that eluded Nick Pope.
The atmosphere grew even more jubilant in the second half when Alexis Mac Allister struck a superb finish, converting Mohamed Salah’s assist into a powerful effort that soared into the top corner.
Newcastle, struggling in attack, were without leading scorer Alexander Isak due to a groin issue. Callum Wilson, making his first league start of the season in his absence, squandered a clear chance in the first half, failing to direct his effort on target.
Eddie Howe’s side remains sixth in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the race for Champions League qualification. However, they have a shot at redemption when they face Liverpool again in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 16.
Midfield brilliance pushes Liverpool closer to the title
After the final whistle at Anfield, Szoboszlai’s influence on the game was undeniable. The Hungarian midfielder had also been instrumental in Liverpool’s previous 2-0 victory over Manchester City, where his energy and attacking contribution helped secure a crucial win.
Against Newcastle, he once again proved decisive. Timing his run into the box to perfection, he deceived Sandro Tonali before slotting a low shot past Pope for the opening goal.
Szoboszlai nearly doubled his tally before halftime, curling a shot just wide, and he played a key role in limiting Newcastle’s attacking threats, winning more tackles than any of his teammates.
Mac Allister delivered another impressive display, initiating and completing the move for his goal. A precise pass to Salah opened up space before he surged forward to apply the finishing touch.
Salah himself tormented Newcastle’s defense, frequently gliding past Lewis Hall and Dan Burn, but despite his best efforts, he was unable to add his name to the scoresheet. Instead, he provided his 42nd goal contribution of the campaign with the assist for Mac Allister’s strike.
With 10 matches remaining – six of them at Anfield – Liverpool edge ever closer to their 20th league crown.
Newcastle struggle without Isak’s cutting edge
Newcastle’s lineup announcement may have caused concern for their supporters, as Isak’s absence posed a major challenge in attack.
With 19 goals in the league this season, the Swedish forward has been a crucial figure for Howe’s team, ranking just behind Salah and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts. Without him, Wilson was called upon to lead the line.
Wilson’s lack of match sharpness was apparent when he missed a one-on-one opportunity against Alisson, lifting a chipped effort wide. The offside flag spared him embarrassment, but a second missed chance followed minutes later as he sent another effort off target.
Newcastle’s attacking play lacked cohesion, with no shots on target throughout the match. Meanwhile, their defensive lapses allowed Liverpool’s midfielders too much space, contributing to both goals.
With no clear timeline for Isak’s return, Newcastle face a tougher road ahead in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. The battle for European spots remains tight, with just six points separating third-placed Nottingham Forest and 10th-placed Aston Villa, making a strong finish essential.
