By Priya Kaur
Newcastle welcomed Liverpool to St James’s Park for the latest instalment of a classic Premier League rivalry!
Liverpool made a quick-fire start and the iconic 4-4-3 formation allowed both Eddie Howe’s and Jürgen Klopp’s side to play a transition-based game in search of a counter-attack.
From the whistle, Liverpool were eager to make an impression as Dominik Szoboszlai was away and piled on the pressure, winning Liverpool the corner. The ball found Joel Matip, who was filling in for Ibou Konate, but then the net didn’t bulge.
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The progressive and purposeful Sandro Tonali won the ball back and darted down the right-hand side, but was well defended by skipper Virgil Van Dijk. Alexis Mac Allister’s pace, whose red card versus Bournemouth was rescinded, forced Bruno Guimaraes into a handball where Liverpool won the freekick.
Vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold made his emotions heard as he got fouled and threw the ball away, resulting in a yellow card. Consequently, the Newcastle fans were riled up and Trent conceded another foul on ex-Everton man Anthony Gordon with a stern talking too.
Miguel Almiron and Tonali were successfully pressing high up the pitch, exposing Liverpool’s inverted fullbacks, Trent and Andy Robertson. It was end-to-end with Newcastle slightly edging possession with 60% and 80% successful passes.
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With Gordon burdening Trent, a mistake was all he needed to be away on goal. Alisson came out of his box, but that didn’t stop the ball from slipping through his legs.
ANOTHER STRAIGHT RED! Van Dijk conceded a red card as he fouled Issak on the edge of the box. The 27th minute saw the skipper off. Klopp saw a time for a change as Luis Diaz made way for Joe Gomez.
BRILLIANT save by Alisson from Almiron’s volley which was struck with almighty force! There was chance after chance for Newcastle and Alisson was put under immense pressure.
Overall, the first half was tumultuous with the home side’s back-four unit looking stronger than The Reds’.
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With the second half underway, Liverpool were trying to be resolute and make it difficult for Newcastle to settle into a compact shape, taking their time with the ball. Following a string of unpunished fouls from the hosts, Kieran Trippier was finally given a yellow for a kick on the ankle of Mac Allister.
Guimarães was grinding, finding space for Gordon yet again, but was denied by World Cup winner Mac Allister. It was time for fresh legs as new man Wataru Endo came off Harvey Elliott as Cody Gakpo made way for Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese forward made an instant impression as Klopp’s side were growing into the game. The 60-minute mark called for a fresh spell of Liverpool dominance, but the Magpies weren’t giving up with that man Gordon once again popping up in search of another goal with a long-range effort.
Jota’s vision found Mohamed Salah but Sven Botman made an excellent challenge. The ever-threatening Szobozslai took the corner but was pushed away by Nick Pope. With the visiting Reds seemingly becoming more comfortable, Eddie Howe made changes; Alexander Isak, Tonali, and goalscorer Gordon made way for Harvey Barnes, Sean Longstaff, and Callum Wilson.
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Newcastle were still ahead, Almiron’s powerful shot hit the post and Klopp brought the young Jarell Quansah on for Matip and firecracker Darwin Nunez entered for the hardworking Mac Allister.
Almost instantaneously, Darwin’s passion was oozing out of him as he smashed an equaliser in with power and precision! With the fans bellowing Nunez’s name, confidence slowly started to make its way back into the ten-man Liverpool side.
Botman landed awkwardly and went off for Matt Targett. Despite the confidence, Newcastle weren’t out of the game yet. The 90 was up and The Reds had 5 minutes left to either take the lead or hang on to a hard-fought point.
Queue the ABSOLUTE SCENES and pandemonium as Darwin banged in another goal with two minutes left. This time a perfectly weighted pass from Salah found the Uruguayan who made no mistake yet again to beat Pope and send the travelling Kop wild in the heavens of St James’ Park!
The full-time whistle blew and Liverpool took the 3 points home! It was things Liverpool fans loved to see as Darwin was glowing in confidence, coming a long way from last season! Even with ten men, Liverpool were solidified to avenge Van Dijk.
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