Liverpool continued their march to the Premier League title as they beat Newcastle United 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Reds might have been awarded a penalty in the opening stages when Mohamed Salah was brought down, but Dominik Szoboszlai gave the hosts an early lead when Luis Diaz cut the ball back to him in the penalty area.
After a nervy start to the second half, Alexis Mac Allister gave the hosts a two-goal advantage when he swept home inside the box after Salah played a ball towards him.
Arne Slot watched from the stands as the Reds secured another victory to take them 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, while the Magpies are sixth with 44 points, three behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Salah's assist for Mac Allister was his 17th of the Premier League season, meaning he only needs four more in 10 games to break Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne's joint-record of 20 assists in a single season.
The Egyptian is arguably having the best ever season from an individual player in the competition's history, and it looks like he has fired Liverpool to a second Premier League title.
As for the Magpies, they have now lost four of their last six in the top flight, and Eddie Howe will want to ensure his side do not lose further ground in the race for top four and Champions League football.
LIVERPOOL VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
4th min: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) no penalty
This challenge was given as a free-kick to Lewis Hall 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/31r6wueN6S
Salah squares up Newcastle left-back Hall and lays a pass off before looking for a return ball, but though it looks like Hall fouls the winger, the referee awards a free kick to the visitors.
That could have been a penalty!
Dominik Szoboszlai goal vs. Newcastle United (11th min, Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle United)
Diaz and Szoboszlai combine to fire Liverpool ahead at Anfield ⚽
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/XpKq3KGA9u
Diogo Jota lays a pass off to Diaz on the left flank, and the winger inches towards the box before cutting back to Szoboszlai, who crashes the penalty area and his left-footed shot past Dan Burn and into the net.
An early lead!
Alexis Mac Allister goal vs. Newcastle United (63rd min, Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle United)
There's breathing room for Liverpool as Alexis Mac Allister doubles the lead 🎯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/IMKJjO0KII
Mac Allister brings the ball forward on the right to the edge of Newcastle's penalty area and lays a pass off to Salah, who returns the ball to him after drawing two defenders before the Argentine midfielder sweeps the ball past Nick Pope into the left side of the net.
What a strike!
MAN OF THE MATCH - ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER
© Imago
Mac Allister was excellent both with the ball, often receiving the ball between the lines and retaining possession before setting up a teammate.
The midfielder's influence without the ball should not be understated either, and his goal was a justified reward for his endeavour in midfield.
LIVERPOOL VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Liverpool 62%-38% Newcastle United
Shots: Liverpool 12-3 Newcastle United
Shots on target: Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United
Corners: Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle United
Fouls: Liverpool 12-11 Newcastle United
BEST STATS
Dominik Szoboszlai has scored in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time in his Liverpool career - against Man City and Newcastle.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
Stepping up 📈 pic.twitter.com/XdSe0VYdp4
Mo Salah's record in Premier League games at Anfield:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
🏟 140 games
⚽ 142 goal contributions
There's no place like home 🏡
(h/t @statmusefc) pic.twitter.com/Ym8yPNOEuY
WHAT NEXT?
Liverpool are set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on March 5 before hosting Southampton in the Premier League on March 8.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will battle Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday for a place in the FA Cup quarter-final but return to league action on March 10 against West Ham United.
Lewis Nolan
