Liverpool moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table after an entertaining 4-2 win over Newcastle at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah scored twice for the league leaders to move level with Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League’s Golden Boot, though the Egyptian’s evening began with a missed penalty as Liverpool wasted a host of chances in a goalless first half.
Salah turned in the opener for his 150th league goal for the Reds four minutes after the break, but Alexander Isak’s equaliser on the counter-attack brought the Magpies back into the game.
Liverpool continued to up the pressure and Curtis Jones capped a fine move to put the hosts back in front on 74 minutes, before substitute Cody Gakpo bundled in Salah’s cross to make it three just moments later.
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An engrossing game saw Newcastle threaten a comeback as Sven Botman powered home a header, but Salah’s second – stepping up to convert a contentious spot-kick after his earlier miss from 12 yards – sealed the three points.
An all-action game saw Liverpool post an Expected Goals (xG) figure of 7.2, the highest on record in the Premier League since the data was first collected. Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for the ‘sensational’ attacking performance from his side.
“It was a sensational game from my team. We started extremely lively,” Klopp told BBC Sport.
“Everyone saw (Martin) Dubravka or we ourselves made sure the score didn’t get too clear. Super game. I loved so many aspects of the game bar the goals we conceded.
“Unbelievable game. Unbelievable atmosphere. Counter-pressing wise it was for football schools. They have to watch that, take it and keep it. It was everything good.
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“The show must go on. We now have five or six days so three training days. It will change the world from a freshness point of view.
“Dominik Szoboszlai with a hamstring, we hope not too serious. Other players felt it as well. It’s super intense. But there’s no alternative if you want to win football games.”
Liverpool next travel to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, before an EFL semi-final first leg against Fulham on January 10.
