This game was always going to be difficult, Rafa Benitez stated though he still has compassion for Liverpool, that his team were not going to roll over for the title chasers. There was an eerie feel for the likes of myself for the game anyway, Newcastle had improved in the second part of the season, leading them away from the relegation zone, and the game was kicking off late on a Saturday night. You can count on a couple of fingers the amount of games that had kicked off at 7.45pm on Saturday in the Premier League this season. The last time Liverpool played at around that time at all, was a 4th round FA Cup game they lost to West Bromwich Albion last season. Title rivals Manchester City were not going to play until Monday evening at home to Leicester, so Liverpool knew anything other than a win, and they would be conceding their best chance since the 2013/14 season of winning the league.
With Roberto Firmino out, Daniel Sturridge started, though he has been plagued by injuries, we all know I hold Sturridge still in high regard, though he is unlikely to get back to his finest hour. At the back, was where some fans would have had concern, as Dejan Lovren started instead of Joel Matip, yes the pack had to be reshuffled because of a hectic schedule to end the season, but Lovren can do some callous things, the fans hoped he had a solid game.
Newcastle began the game well, but Liverpool were able to take the led in the 13th minute, when Virgil van Dijk was left alone in the box and he headed in Trent Alexander-Arnold's out-swinging corner. Liverpool had not been able to settle on their lead, when in the 20th minute, Newcastle came storming forward Alexander-Arnold handled a shot on the line, but the ball fell to Christian Atsu, who made it 1-1. It is not known why Alexander-Arnold was not booked, but he was not sent off as Newcastle scored anyway, so he did not deny a goal. All long-winded, but one thing for certain was that Liverpool were not in the lead anymore, and in the title race it was advantage Man City. Liverpool responded well and regained the lead in the 28th minute when Alexander-Arnold quick ball into the box was turned in superbly by Mo Salah, a quite exquisite finish from the Egyptian.
Newcastle, continued to cause Liverpool problems with Solomon Rondon mainly being a handful, and in the second half after Liverpool failed to clear a corner, the ball fell to Rondon who slammed in a brilliant volley to make it 2-2. If there was going to be an eventual winner then it looked like it would be the home team. Howver, in the 86th minute, after a contentious freekick was given for a Matt Ritchie tug on Fabinho, Liverpool had a chance in dangerous area to get a good ball in. Alexander-Arnold was going to take the set piece, when van Dijk pointed out it would be better for Xherdan Shaqiri who was also stood over the freekick to take it. The decision for a left footed player to take an in-swinging corner was vital as Divock Origi leapt and reached the ball just as Newcastle Jamaal Lascelles did and it flew past Martin Dubravka.
Another late show from Origi, clearly giving Jay Leno a run for his money. Liverpool by the skin of teeth were still in the title race, but now need a huge favour from Leicester City, otherwise this will be in vain. It is amazing that they have accumulated this many points and it still may not be good enough. Dramatic winners against Everton at home and Spurs at home, Man City's penalty miss at Anfield, were just some of the events that made you feel that, maybe, just maybe this was their year. Unfortunately, they have to rely on others which is never a good place to be in.
@DubulDee
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