Mohamed Salah netted two goals as Liverpool ultimately overcame Newcastle United, securing a three-point lead at the summit of the Premier League.
In an unrelenting and tumultuous match, fueled by relentless rain and wind on Merseyside, Liverpool repeatedly attacked Newcastle. Despite facing the prospect of a third consecutive draw at Anfield after a goalless first half, the game took a turn.
Salah, who had missed a penalty in the opening period, tapped in a cross for the first goal and later converted a second spot-kick in the closing stages. His initial goal marked his 150th Premier League goal for Liverpool.
However, five minutes later, Alexander Isak leveled the score by curling in a shot behind the hosts’ defense after excellent work by Anthony Gordon.
Liverpool persisted in regaining the lead, and Curtis Jones eventually secured it before Cody Gapko, with a scuffed effort from a brilliant Salah pass, provided some breathing space.
Nevertheless, Newcastle made a comeback when Sven Botman headed home a corner, making it 3-2.
In the end, Salah secured the points by converting another penalty, sending Martin Dubravka – who had been heroic throughout – the wrong way.
Liverpool won their opening seven Premier League games at Anfield this season but had been held to draws by Manchester United and Arsenal in their previous two home games.
They lead Aston Villa by three points and have a five-point advantage over Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and Arsenal.
Newcastle, who were missing nine first-team players, remain ninth.
Slick Liverpool find a way in chaotic match
From the opening whistle, Liverpool dominated the match, tallying a league-high 18 shots in the first half. Trent Alexander-Arnold had an effort deflected wide, and he hit the post with a remarkable volley from an extremely tight angle. Additionally, Darwin Nunez’s flicked attempt was thwarted by Dubravka.
Diaz had a goal disallowed due to Nunez straying marginally offside in the build-up, and then Salah’s first penalty, aimed to Dubravka’s left but too central, was saved. Despite Salah’s recent penalty struggles, he rebounded in the second half with an impressive performance.
Diaz and Nunez collaborated, leaving Salah unmarked in the middle to tap in the opening goal, alleviating the mounting tension at Anfield. Although the equalizer was a setback, particularly after Nunez missed two good chances to make it 2-0, Liverpool’s quality and intricate attacking play eventually broke through Newcastle’s defense.
Jones netted a goal after a splendid pass from Salah located Diogo Jota, and the Egyptian skillfully delivered a cross with the outside of his foot for Gakpo to guide the ball over the line with the bottom of his studs.
Salah secured his second goal when Jota was fouled by Dubravka, showcasing mental fortitude by deceiving the goalkeeper and concluding the match before his potential absence of up to six weeks with his national team.
This triumph extends Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to 22 games at Anfield, with just one loss in their last 52 home games in the Premier League.
“It was a sensational game from my team,” said Klopp. “We started extremely lively. Everyone saw Dubravka’s performance, and we ourselves made sure the score didn’t get too clear.
“Super game. I loved so many aspects of the game, bar the goals we conceded. Counter-pressing-wise, it was for football schools. They have to watch that, take it and keep it. It was everything good.”
Injury-ravaged Newcastle battle but lack options
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has grappled with a challenging string of injuries during the most hectic phase of the season, entering this game without club captain Kieran Trippier, sidelined due to a groin injury.
Despite facing an early onslaught, Newcastle coped well and gradually gained momentum. Dan Burn’s header, which was disallowed, was the result of Isak being marginally offside in the preceding move.
Isak’s clinical finish for the equalizer, their first shot on target and second overall in the game, demonstrated precision.
Dubravka displayed inspired goalkeeping, using various parts of his body to thwart Liverpool’s attempts, but he could do little to prevent Jones and Gapko’s goals.
These goals coincided with the time when a manager might contemplate bringing fresh legs from the bench, leaving Howe possibly lamenting the limited options at his disposal.
While injuries may be a factor for Newcastle, Howe is aware that his team has only secured five points away from St James’ Park this season and has maintained just one clean sheet in their last 19 away games.
With only three games scheduled for January (potentially four if they advance in the FA Cup against Sunderland in the third round), Howe is optimistic that the winter break will provide an opportunity to nurse players back to fitness as they aim to secure European qualification once again.
“We’re battling to get our best levels back,” Howe told BBC Sport. “The effort and determination was there. As long as we continue to see that we’ll be fine.
“The most important thing is we’re fighting. We’re missing a lot of players, we’ve had a lot of tough fixtures in a congested December.”