Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool welcomed Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United to Anfield for their first Premier League match of 2024 on Monday night (January 1). The Reds took a little while to get going, but buoyed by a cool brace from their talisman Mohamed Salah, they eventually cruised to a comfortable 4-2 victory. The matchday 20 victory over the Magpies allowed the Anfield team to open a three-point lead over second-placed Aston Villa.
Mohamed Salah goes from despair to delight in 22 minutes
Liverpool started on the front foot, but had to wait 12 minutes to get their first shot on goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold found Darwin Núñez with an excellent pass. The forward made a small wall with Salah before breaking free. Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka reacted magnificently to stop him. Ten minutes later, Liverpool won a penalty after Sven Botman fouled Luis Díaz inside the area.
Liverpool’s designated penalty taker, Salah, stepped up to the plate but failed to find the back of the net. Dubravka jumped to his left and made a reassuring save to prevent Salah from walking away celebrating. The Egyptian king was barely visible in the rest of the first half, but he recovered with aplomb in the 45th second.
Just four minutes into the second half, Salah deservedly put Liverpool in front, managing at the end of a wide counterattack to score his 150th goal in the Premier League for the club. Núñez, who claimed the assist, showed admirable composure as he waited for Salah to arrive before throwing him a square pass. The Magpies responded quickly, equalizing through Alexander Isak just five minutes later, but the Merseysiders were in no mood to drop points on the first day of the year.
Mohamed Salah in the Premier League so far this season:
◉ More G/A◉ More xG/A◉ More shots on goal◉ More big chances scored◉ More big chances created◉ More open play chances created◉ More touches in opp. box◎ =More goals◎ =More assists
Mo(st) Salah. 👑 pic.twitter.com/NYZ8JaD7I2
– Squawka (@Squawka) January 1, 2024
In the 74th minute, Diogo Jota set up Curtis Jones for the go-ahead goal before Salah added an assist to his goal in the 78th minute. The 31-year-old’s delivery was beautiful as he showed off his immaculate ball control with a cross from outside the boot from the right wing. From six yards out, Cody Gakpo did well to direct the ball into the bottom right corner.
Sven Botman scored another goal for Newcastle in the 81st minute, but a Salah penalty in the 86th minute ended the match.
Liverpool will be without Salah for up to six weeks
Salah has been in excellent form for Liverpool this season. The former AS Roma ace has featured in 27 matches in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing nine assists. He has started every Premier League match, playing 97% of the total minutes available. The winger has been the driving force behind the Merseysiders’ title challenge this season, but now, Klopp must find a way to win without his best man.
Salah travels to Ivory Coast to represent his country, Egypt, in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). If things go well for the Egyptians, Salah could miss six weeks of football with Liverpool. The 19-time English champions will play a minimum of eight games in that period, including an FA Cup match against Arsenal and a two-legged EFL Cup semi-final against Fulham. They must also find a way to continue winning in the English top flight, as a mistake at this stage could allow title contenders Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal to skip out.
Manchester City have already proven themselves this season by coping with the long-term absences of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. It will be interesting to see how Liverpool fare in their litmus test.
