Liverpool finally showing sign of form after they eased past the Newcastle challenge comfortably with a 2-0 victory following Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo’s strike.
It was a massive result for the All Reds as it could prove vital in terms of their fate to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season as they reduce the gap to six points with Newcastle who are currently number four in the PL points table.
FT: Newcastle 0 – 2 Liverpool
A HUGE win for Jurgen Klopp's men to close the gap to the top four! The Reds weren't the best side on the night but had all the clinical edge required to bag the points. Now, the *small* matter of a tie with Real Madrid. Thoughts? 🤷♂️ #LFC pic.twitter.com/C1fIGGw2Dl
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) February 18, 2023
“Massive result, clean sheet, two wonderful goals, and space for improvement. I thought we did really well, the red card probably would have been a wonderful goal as well if Pope hadn’t got his hand on the ball.”- Klopp told Sky Sports after the victory.
Nick Pope was given a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor after the English goalkeeper handled the ball outside of the box leaving Newcastle’s chances shattered.
Eddie Howe 🗣
“I really feel for Nick [Pope]. I don’t know the rules on the red card but it felt like a harsh decision.”
Come on Eddie 😅😆 pic.twitter.com/l9zm8Jg9V5
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) February 19, 2023
“Against 10 men we didn’t react particularly well. Newcastle had nothing to lose anymore. You could see they’re a top team with top character – they threw everything on the pitch. And we gave them too many set pieces.”- Klopp further added.
However, Liverpool’s most influential player on the pitch was Darwin Nunez but the Uruguayan was forced off due to a shoulder injury after colliding with Kieran Tripper at the start of the second half.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is worried about the availability of the speedy forward, especially after the contribution he has to the team’s victory and the way they played.
Newcastle got a free kick for this, and no one on commentary questioned it? pic.twitter.com/Dp2OKTvS22
— David Stanley * 1️⃣9️⃣ (@DaveStanno) February 18, 2023
“The most negative thing was that Darwin [Nunez] had to go off. We have to see how serious that is – hopefully not too much. We have to fight through these things. A third goal would have been extremely helpful, but we had to fight until the end.”
Liverpool has a game in hand and with six points separating them from UCL’s spot will be felt like a relief to Jurgen Klopp after the terrible start they had on their opening few matches.
“The relief of the 2-0, the red card, and all of a sudden one step less and the rhythm was gone. I wish we’d have done that better, but in the end, I’m really happy we got it over the line.”- Klopp concluded.
Back to back wins ✅
Players back from injury ✅
Gakpo and Nunez scoring ✅
6️⃣ points away from top 4️⃣ ✅
Have a game in hand ✅We’re inching back! #LFC pic.twitter.com/Oz0iauuOPr
— Zubin Daver (@zubinofficial) February 19, 2023
Diogo Jota, Bobby Formino, and Virgil Van Dijk are the notable players who recovered from the injury and will hand the Kops a massive boost as they will be eyeing to march on forward and hope to continue the winning streak.
