Liverpool FC fought a hard battle in an early kick-off match against Newcastle FC at the St. James Park but emerged as eventual winners after 90 minutes of action.
After the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, Jurgen Klopp made five changes at St James’ Park, including leaving top scorer Mohamed Salah on the bench.
It appeared to backfire when in-form Newcastle came out strong, pressuring Liverpool high and forcing them into a couple of early errors.
Liverpool, on the other hand, surged into the game and were in command of possession when Naby Keita scored in the 19th minute.
The midfielder dribbled across the box and passed Martin Dubravka before putting the ball into the net with ease.
Liverpool, on the other hand, surged into the game and were in command of possession when Naby Keita scored in the 19th minute.
The midfielder dribbled across the box and passed Martin Dubravka before putting the ball into the net with ease.
Sadio Mane should have made it 2-0 before halftime, but his counter-attacking drive was too near to Dubravka, who also saved a Diogo Jota header.
Newcastle fans, enraged that play continued after Fabian Schar was hurt, thought Miguel Almiron had equalized after rounding Alisson, only for the effort to be called off for offside.
The hosts had a strong start to the second half as well, though Mane fired wide from close range before Jota’s attempt was pushed over.
Liverpool did not put on a great performance, but they got the job done to go two points ahead at the top of the table and put pressure on Manchester City, who face Leeds at Elland Road at 17:30 BST on Saturday.
