Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points with a commanding 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on 26 February 2025. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister secured the win, underscoring Liverpool’s dominance this season.
Match Overview
The Reds confidently entered the match, maintaining an unbeaten run in the league. Manager Arne Slot, serving a touchline ban, observed from the stands as his team delivered a performance that reflected their title aspirations. Newcastle, missing key striker Alexander Isak due to a groin injury, struggled to penetrate Liverpool’s defence.
Key Moments
Liverpool’s intent was evident from the outset. In the 12th minute, Luis Díaz showcased his agility on the left flank, delivering a precise cut-back to Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder struck a first-time shot that found the back of the net, giving Liverpool an early lead.
Newcastle had a chance to respond when a ball over the top found Callum Wilson, but the striker’s effort went wide, missing a crucial opportunity to equalise.
Liverpool continued to dominate the second half. In the 63rd minute, Mac Allister intercepted a pass in his half, advanced, and played the ball to Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, demonstrating his vision, returned the pass to Mac Allister, who finished precisely to double Liverpool’s advantage.
Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (Goalkeeper): Had a relatively quiet evening but remained alert when called upon. Distributed the ball efficiently.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Right-Back): Provided width and creativity on the right flank. Defensively solid, contributing to the clean sheet.
Ibrahima Konaté (Centre-Back): Commanding presence in defence. Handled Newcastle’s forwards with composure.
Virgil van Dijk (Centre-Back): Led the backline with authority. His positioning and aerial prowess were instrumental.
Kostas Tsimikas (Left-Back): Linked well with Díaz on the left. He balanced his defensive duties with attacking support.
Ryan Gravenberch (Central Midfield): Showed energy and vision in midfield. Played a key role in transitioning play.
Alexis Mac Allister (Central Midfield): Outstanding performance. They scored the second goal and controlled the tempo of the game.
Mohamed Salah (Right Wing): While he didn’t score, his assist for the second goal highlighted his unselfish play and awareness.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Attacking Midfield): Man of the match. He opened the scoring and was a constant threat to Newcastle’s defence.
Luis Díaz (Left Wing): His pace and dribbling caused problems for Newcastle. Assisted the opening goal with a clever pass.
Diogo Jota (Striker): Worked hard off the ball but lacked clear scoring opportunities.
Premier League Standings
Following this victory, Liverpool solidified their position at the summit of the Premier League. With 28 matches played, they have amassed 67 points, comprising 20 wins, 7 draws, and just 1 loss. They have scored 66 goals and conceded 26, resulting in a goal difference of +40. Arsenal trails in second place with 54 points from 27 matches.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool’s next fixtures include a Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain and a domestic cup final. Their current form positions them favourably for success in these competitions. Manager Arne Slot’s tactical acumen and the squad’s depth will be crucial as they navigate this congested period.
Newcastle, currently sixth in the league, will aim to regroup and focus on securing a European spot for next season. The absence of key players has impacted their recent performances, but manager Eddie Howe remains optimistic about their prospects.
In Summary
Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle United extended their lead at the top of the Premier League and showcased their squad’s depth and quality. With players like Szoboszlai and Mac Allister delivering standout performances, the Reds are well-positioned to pursue multiple trophies this season. Maintaining consistency and managing player fitness will be vital to sustaining their momentum as the campaign progresses.
