Page 2 - Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle: 3 reasons why the Reds won

#2 Newcastle failed to make their chances count

Liverpool FC v Newcastle United - Premier League

Granted, the Newcastle attack can't exactly be compared to Liverpool's, but an early goal from Jetro Williams should have set the confidence and the tone for the Magpies. What happened, instead, were wasted opportunities that gave them no fighting chance.

Joelinton aided his team in good form by winning eight aerial duels, but nothing serious came out of it. Newcastle took eight shots at goal, scoring the only shot they had on target. Most of their opportunities came down the left flank, but they were unable to build on it. They were constantly caught offside, lost possession a lot - to the point it led to the second goal and committed a number of individual errors that saw Liverpool's teamwork run them down.

#1 Roberto Firmino came on the pitch to change the game

Roberto Firmino came on as a substitute for Divock Origi due to an injury early on in the game, and the Brazilian's presence was well-felt. He troubled the Newcastle defence constantly, laying off passes that constantly took everyone not on his team by surprise.

Sadio Mane's second goal resulted from a quick through-pass from Firmino. Salah's goal that settled Liverpool's lead came from a flick nobody - maybe except Salah - saw coming. Firmino's presence on the pitch gave Liverpool two great goals. Although he didn't get on the scoresheet, his style of play and work rate cannot be faulted.

About the author

Nnanna is currently an analyst on Sportskeeda. He started writing about football as a hobby many years ago, but it's recently become a more important aspect of his life.

He loves sports, football particularly, and is optimistic about the growth of local leagues in Africa.

Know More

Edited by Zaid Khan

Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle: 3 reasons why the Reds won | Premier League 2019-20

#2 Newcastle failed to make their chances count

#1 Roberto Firmino came on the pitch to change the game