Soccer Information: Liverpool v Newcastle United

Liverpool v Newcastle United A Liverpool Perspective

 

A second wonderful efficiency in a row, this was extra clearly dominant than the one in opposition to Manchester Metropolis. This time, Liverpool managed the play with the ball, relatively than with out it. Towards Citeh, it was about forcing them into areas they didn’t wish to go, however letting them have the ball. Newcastle weren’t allowed to play in any respect, barely even getting the ball. A few of the soccer on show was breathtaking, a correct show of go and transfer to make even probably the most discerning Liverpool fan proud.

Tactically, it was extra of the standard system Slot has employed, with a bit tweak or two. The principle change was how the full-backs have been employed. Now we have seen all season that Alexander-Arnold has been the one with license to maraud down the flank, whereas the left-back primarily sits in and acts nearly as a left-sided centre-back. Towards Newcastle, Alexander-Arnold sat again, nearly taking part in as a centre-back, whereas the left-back, Tsimikas, charged ahead at will. That allowed Alexander-Arnold to spray the ball about at will, because the Newcastle gamers weren’t capable of get shut sufficient to him to close him down.

There was additionally a really particular try to shut down Bruno Guimaraes, on these uncommon events Newcastle had the ball, and shut him out of the sport. That labored significantly effectively, Bruno barely figured within the match in any respect they usually seemed so missing in high quality in midfield with out his enter and creativity.

I’ve to additionally give a shout out to Stuart Attwell, for one of many worst refereeing performances I’ve ever seen. The usual of officiating has dropped badly this season, however nonetheless he managed to place in a efficiency to face out as one of many worst. It began badly, along with his weird resolution to award Newcastle a free kick, after Corridor had tripped Salah within the field along with his arm, and it didn’t get higher all through the sport. He pulled again the play to present Liverpool a foul, though that they had the benefit in an excellent place. There have been so many different cases of unhealthy choices, it could be unattainable to record all of them.

 

Newcastle United

 

Howe was utterly outmatched on this match, although he was lacking his prime striker, Isak, they nonetheless ought to have had sufficient to make a recreation of it. He began out with a reasonably customary 4-3-3, however after being utterly overrun within the opening 15-20 minutes or so, he determined to make a number of tweaks to match up with Liverpool’s hybrid 4-2-4/4-3-3 arrange. Oddly although, regardless of going to the identical formation, he modified it in a approach that appeared to utterly miss the purpose of the way in which Slot has Liverpool taking part in.

As a substitute of merely shifting one among his midfielders ahead to tackle the Szobozlai function, Howe determined to maneuver Willock out of the centre and to play on the left after which transfer Gordon from the left into the centre to play off Wilson. It made no sense as Willock gives completely nothing from the left and Gordon was too deep to utilize his strengths. It didn’t work in any respect.

It simply confirmed why Howe is just not prime class as a supervisor. Good man however he’s missing these little issues that set him other than the most effective, significantly tactically. That for me is one thing the Toon ought to take a look at. Not with the intention to exchange him, however to seek out him somebody to assist with the tactical aspect of issues, an analyst or coach that has the perception he misses and may help take them up a degree.

 

Liverpool

 

Alisson – spent many of the match snoozing in his chair however when wanted he was there to tug off a save. An excellent save as effectively.

 

Alexander-Arnold – sat deep and sprayed passes about very well. Was additionally strong defensively, although there was little risk down his flank after Willock moved there.

 

Konate – strong efficiency, with a splash of Matip thrown in for good measure. That one second alone modified the sport, as Newcastle’s press went flat after he simply strolled previous them so simply. You can see the boldness drain out of them.

 

van Dijk – a superb efficiency, sturdy defensively but additionally managed to spray passes round at occasions. Sure, he and Konate have been very effectively protected by the midfield, however they nonetheless did effectively when referred to as upon.

 

Tsimikas – he labored very exhausting but it surely was not a superb recreation by him. His runs largely have been badly timed or simply blocked up area for the person on the ball to run into. He did put one good supply in although, that Quansah ought to have executed higher with.

 

Gravenberch – one other good efficiency after a dip for a number of video games. Newcastle have been unable to crowd him out, although they did strive to take action.

 

Szoboszlai – completely excellent, but once more, by the Hungary captain. His work price is immense, and has been all season, however now he’s starting to get the targets and assists he deserves. Ed77 described him because the Kante of attacking midfielders earlier at the moment and I believe that’s one of the best ways to sum up his contribution. Good.

 

Mac Allister – he spent the sport preventing a operating battle with Bruno, utterly shutting the Brazillian out of the match. It was good to see he can keep on his toes when he needs to and win a bodily battle like that. An excellent efficiency, although he was overshadowed by simply how good Szoboszlai was, he deserves reward for going toe-to-toe with the Toon’s greatest midfielder and popping out on prime.

 

Salah – Salah is simply on one other degree this season and he bought yet one more help. He ripped Corridor to shreds, inflicting a continuing risk down the flank and thru the centre. His hyperlink up with Szoboszlai is getting higher as effectively, they’re growing a terrific understanding.

 

Jota – it was a typical Jota efficiency – labored exhausting, a number of moments of brilliance but additionally a number of poor passes and missed alternatives to take a shot. He was not helped by the referee after one among his moments of brilliance to interrupt freed from the Newcastle defence, just for the referee to name it again for a foul. To Liverpool. Sure, the referee determined to attend till after he bought away from the Newcastle gamers’ makes an attempt to foul him to blow the whistle and provides him a free kick.

 

Diaz – labored extraordinarily exhausting to guard Tsimikas, in addition to to assault the Newcastle defence and likewise added an help. An excellent recreation by the Colombian, although he does nonetheless want to enhance his resolution making within the ultimate third.

 

Gakpo – changed Jota within the 61st minute. May simply have added a aim or two. Possibly even ought to have scored one.

 

Endo – got here on for Gravenberch within the 77th minute. As soon as once more, he got here on and performed like a warrior, he’s right here, there and nearly in every single place breaking apart play. He is a superb choice to have within the midfield in opposition to a staff like Newcastle that attempted very exhausting to make it a bodily battle.

 

Quansah – was introduced on within the stead of Alexander-Arnold within the 77th minute. In all probability ought to have gotten himself a aim from a Tsimikas supply. By no means actually examined defensively.

 

Nunez – took Diaz’s place within the 86th minute. Solely had a couple of minutes, however seemed extra just like the Nunez now we have grown to count on – labored exhausting however lacked an finish product.

 

Jones – changed Mac Allister within the 86th minute. By no means actually bought the prospect to get into the sport correctly.

Written by Tris Burke March 02 2025 03:16:07