Liverpool took a significant step towards reclaiming the Premier League title with a dominant 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on Wednesday night. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister ensured the Reds extended their lead at the top of the table to 13 points, taking advantage of Arsenal's goalless draw at Nottingham Forest earlier in the evening.
The win marked another statement performance from Arne Slot’s side, who remain unbeaten in the league this season. With only 10 matches left, Liverpool are now heavy favorites to secure their 20th English top-flight title and their second in the Premier League era.
Strong Start Sets the Tone.
Liverpool wasted no time asserting their dominance, buoyed by a raucous Anfield crowd that had already been celebrating Sunday’s emphatic 2-0 win over Manchester City. Despite the absence of head coach Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, both serving touchline bans, the Reds showed no signs of disruption as Johnny Heitinga took charge from the technical area.
From the first whistle, Liverpool's attacking intensity put Newcastle under immediate pressure. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute, and it was no surprise that Szoboszlai was at the heart of it. The Hungarian midfielder, who had also scored against City, latched onto a cutback from Luis Diaz and guided a precise finish past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
While Szoboszlai’s strike was well-placed, questions will be raised over Pope's inability to keep it out. The Newcastle shot-stopper, who has endured an inconsistent season, could only get a weak hand to the ball, allowing it to roll into the net.
Newcastle’s Missed Opportunities
Eddie Howe’s side, already struggling for consistency, were dealt a major blow before kick-off when star striker Alexander Isak was ruled out due to a groin injury. The Swedish forward has been Newcastle’s talisman this season, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, and his absence was keenly felt.
In his place, Callum Wilson led the line and had Newcastle’s best chance of the game in the first half. The England international managed to time his run perfectly to latch onto a long ball, getting in behind Liverpool’s defense. However, he failed to hit the target, slicing his shot well wide when one-on-one with Alisson Becker. It was a moment that summed up Newcastle’s evening—promising at times, but ultimately lacking the clinical edge needed to trouble a team of Liverpool’s quality.
Szoboszlai almost doubled his tally with a stunning effort from the edge of the area, narrowly missing the top corner. Newcastle, for all their energy, could not register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, highlighting Liverpool’s defensive resilience.
Liverpool’s Second Goal Seals the Win.
Despite Newcastle’s occasional threats on the counterattack, Liverpool always looked the more likely to score the next goal. The decisive second strike arrived just after the hour mark, courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister.
Mohamed Salah, who had been unusually quiet in front of goal, played a crucial role in the buildup. The Egyptian forward, who has been in scintillating form this season, drew three Newcastle defenders towards him before laying the ball off to Mac Allister at the edge of the box. The Argentine midfielder made no mistake, rifling a powerful shot into Pope’s top right-hand corner.
That assist marked Salah’s 22nd of the season across all competitions, reinforcing his value beyond just goal-scoring. Though his remarkable eight-game scoring streak came to an end, his influence remained undeniable.
Defensive Stability as Liverpool Edge Closer to Glory.
One of the key features of Liverpool’s title charge has been their defensive solidity. This win marked their 12th clean sheet of the season—more than any other team in the league—and the second in a row for the first time since September.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté were rock solid at the back, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson provided their usual mix of defensive awareness and attacking threat from the full-back positions.
Newcastle did manage to put the ball in the net late on, but their celebrations were short-lived as Van Dijk’s header was ruled out for a foul by Konaté in the buildup.
With 10 games left in the season, Liverpool have now built an almost unassailable lead. Arsenal and Manchester City, their closest challengers, must be nearly perfect from here on out to have any chance of catching them.
Newcastle’s Champions League Hopes Take a Hit.
For Newcastle, this result leaves them in sixth place, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification. After a strong start to the season, injuries and inconsistent performances have seen Eddie Howe’s men slip down the table.
While their defensive issues remain a concern, Newcastle can take some encouragement from their attacking intent, particularly if Isak can return in time for the League Cup final. Their upcoming clash with Liverpool at Wembley on March 16 now takes on even greater significance, offering a chance for redemption.
Title Race All but Over?
Liverpool fans, sensing their team’s imminent triumph, serenaded the players with chants of "We're going to win the league" in the closing minutes. While nothing is guaranteed in football, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see any other outcome.
Arne Slot’s debut season at Anfield has been nothing short of remarkable. Having taken over from Jurgen Klopp, the Dutchman has seamlessly continued Liverpool’s dominance while adding his own tactical tweaks. The Reds remain in contention for a potential treble, with the Champions League and League Cup still within their grasp.
If Liverpool do go on to lift the title, it will be a fitting reward for a team that has been relentless, resilient, and ruthless all season. With just 10 matches standing between them and glory, the Reds are on the verge of history once again.
Liverpool took a significant step towards reclaiming the Premier League title with a dominant 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on Wednesday night. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister ensured the Reds extended their lead at the top of the table to 13 points, taking advantage of Arsenal's goalless draw at Nottingham Forest earlier in the evening.