Liverpool Pull Away in Title Race with Commanding Win Over Newcastle
That red blur vanishing over the horizon? It’s Liverpool. Arne Slot’s relentless side extended their Premier League lead to 13 points with 10 games remaining, securing a composed victory over Newcastle. As their rivals stumble, the league’s strongest team continues to improve—Anfield knows exactly what’s coming.
At 9:22 pm, news broke that Arsenal had drawn with Nottingham Forest in the earlier match. The Kop wasted no time, breaking into chants of “Liverpool, top of the league.” Moments later, Alexis Mac Allister doubled the lead after Dominik Szoboszlai’s first-half opener, further intensifying the title-winning atmosphere.
Liverpool fans were denied the chance to celebrate their 19th league title in 2020 due to the pandemic. Now, as they march towards No. 20, Anfield has ample time to savor every moment. The run-in isn’t just a title chase—it’s becoming a victory lap.
Liverpool Strengthen Title Bid as Slot’s Side Overcome Newcastle
Liverpool capped off a grueling stretch of five games in 15 days with another convincing victory, further solidifying their grip on the Premier League title race. What was billed as a defining period has only reinforced their dominance, with any lingering doubts after games against Everton, Wolves, and Aston Villa firmly put to rest.
For Newcastle, the focus now shifts to the Carabao Cup final in 18 days. Eddie Howe will hope for the return of key players and a boost in confidence after a night where his team showed improvement from their defeat at Manchester City but failed to truly test their upcoming Wembley opponents.
With Arne Slot serving a two-match touchline ban for improper conduct in the Merseyside derby, his absence was barely felt. Assistant Sipke Hulshoff was also suspended, leaving former Everton defender John Heitinga to take charge from the technical area. Yet, in typical fashion under Slot’s leadership, Liverpool operated seamlessly.
The league leaders once again showcased their relentless energy and hunger. Luis Díaz was a constant threat, keeping Tino Livramento on edge throughout the match. Mohamed Salah was left frustrated early on when he appeared to be brought down by Lewis Hall inside the box, only for referee Stuart Attwell to award Newcastle a free-kick instead. Slot’s discontent with the decision was evident from his reaction in the stands.
Liverpool’s breakthrough came courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai, who finished a well-worked move for his second goal in as many games. Díaz played a key role, driving at Livramento before cutting the ball back to the unmarked Hungarian. His shot, though lacking power, deflected off Dan Burn and through Nick Pope’s legs, leaving the Newcastle goalkeeper with no chance.
Szoboszlai has been urged by Slot to take more shots, and his goals against Manchester City and Newcastle suggest he’s taken that advice to heart. His growing influence in Liverpool’s midfield has been a key factor in their title charge, with his tireless work rate and attacking instincts proving invaluable.
With a commanding position at the top of the table and momentum firmly on their side, Liverpool continue to look unstoppable in their pursuit of Premier League glory.
Liverpool Punish Weakened Newcastle to Extend Lead
Newcastle’s challenge became even tougher before kick-off when Alexander Isak was ruled out with a groin injury, joining Joelinton and Sven Botman on the sidelines. With his top striker unavailable, Eddie Howe handed Callum Wilson his first Premier League start of the season and switched to a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Anthony Gordon playing just behind him.
Wilson’s lack of match sharpness was evident. He wasted two clear chances when played through on Alisson’s goal—first from a Gordon pass, which would have been ruled offside anyway, and then from Dan Burn’s long ball, which exposed Ibrahima Konaté. On that occasion, Wilson was onside but fired well wide of the target.
Newcastle showed more belief after the break, but Liverpool ensured there was no way back with a ruthless second goal. It was a showcase of Alexis Mac Allister’s intelligence and Mohamed Salah’s vision.
Mac Allister intercepted a loose pass from Sandro Tonali and surged forward before feeding Salah. With Newcastle’s defense closing in, Salah had no clear route to goal but cleverly worked space to return the pass. Mac Allister made no mistake, striking a first-time shot into the top corner past Nick Pope. The goal marked Salah’s 22nd assist of the season across all competitions.
Liverpool nearly added a third when Salah delivered a sublime cross with the outside of his left foot, but Luis Díaz, stretching at the back post, could only poke his effort wide.
With another dominant performance, Liverpool continue to tighten their grip on the Premier League title race, showing no signs of slowing down.
