Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool (HT)
What a first half at St James’ Park — pure theatre. Newcastle came flying out of the blocks, aggressive and in Liverpool’s faces, but couldn’t find the breakthrough. Anthony Gordon went close twice — first glancing a header narrowly wide, then firing straight at Alisson.
Against the run of play, it was Liverpool who struck. On his 50th Premier League start, Ryan Gravenberch unleashed a stunning 30-yard effort that whistled through Bruno Guimarães’ legs and clipped the post before beating Nick Pope (35’). The midfielder’s strike stunned the home crowd and gave Arne Slot’s side the lead.
The intensity only increased after the goal, and just before the break it boiled over. Gordon launched into a reckless, late challenge on Virgil van Dijk. Referee Simon Hooper, after consulting VAR, upgraded the booking to a straight red. The winger trudged off to ironic applause from the home fans, leaving Newcastle down to ten men and facing an uphill battle.
Liverpool take a slender 1-0 advantage into the break, but the story of the half was as much about Gordon’s dismissal as Gravenberch’s superb opener.
Key Moments:
- ⚽ 35’ – GOAL! Gravenberch drills home from 30 yards (0-1)
- 45+8’ – RED CARD! Gordon sent off for a late tackle on Van Dijk
