Liverpool extended their lead at the top to six points after securing a huge 4-0 win over Newcastle United. The Reds took full advantage of Manchester City’s defeat to Leicester City as goals from Mohamed Salah, Dejan Lovren, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho ensured all three points against the hapless Magpies.
Here are three observations from Liverpool’s comfortable win over the Tyneside outfit.
Liverpool’s vibrant attacking performance once again makes the difference
Although Newcastle were off to a pretty decent start for the first five minutes of the game, it was Liverpool who, once again, showcased their attacking prowess, thanks to a flurry of attacking moves which took the opposition by storm.
The intricate passing between Liverpool’s front-trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino was absolutely exquisite to watch. But, what appealed more, was the involvement of Xherdan Shaqiri as the Swiss international made a host of dangerous runs into the final third and linked up well with the attackers – ultimately putting more pressure on the Newcastle defence.
This type of performance exemplifies Liverpool’s greatest strength not because of having some of the world’s most gifted attackers but also to have them work together as a unit – that has made them a force to be reckoned with, under Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool already have their midfield sorted out
Following the departure of Emre Can and before that Coutinho, there were already enough doubts over Liverpool’s midfield department at the start of the campaign.
However, Klopp seems to have found just the right balance, aided by the emergence of Fabinho in recent weeks. Indeed, the Brazilian has been in top-form and once again made the difference last afternoon, after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Although Naby Keita is yet to live up to the expectations, Klopp already has a host of options at his disposal, meaning the Reds won’t have to fiddle in the January transfer market in search of a new midfielder.
Newcastle United are in dire need of attacking reinforcements in January
Only bottom club Huddersfield Town(12) have scored fewer goals than Newcastle United(14) this season and such a poor scoring record was rather evident by their awful display yesterday as the Magpies struggled to create anything of note.
Although the likes of Matt Ritchie and Kenedy did make some useful runs, at times, they often lacked the composure or the final product while the lack of creative spark was also evident.
Therefore, Rafael Benitez certainly needs reinforcements if he hopes to replicate last season’s exceptional comeback during the second half of the campaign.