Liverpool extended its winning streak this week with a convincing victory against Newcastle United on Saturday in their Champions League qualifying match.
The Reds defeated a Magpies team with 10 men midway through the first half, 2-0, with two goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo in the first 17 minutes. As a result, Jurgen Klopp’s team has a game in hand and has already cut the deficit to the fourth-place Toon Army to six points.
But during the 90 minutes at Saint James’ Park, there was a lot that went undetected or unnoticed at all.
Gakpo has had a promising few days after making his debut against Everton on Monday and scoring a fine goal on Tyneside. He was signed in January.
But it didn’t mean Jurgen Klopp’s fury was spared him. The Dutchman failed to give himself as a passing option for Mohamed Salah who was under pressure earlier in the game, which infuriated the Reds manager.
Gakpo was still receiving orders from his irate boss on the sidelines even after increasing the visitors’ lead. Greetings from Liverpool, Cody.
Gordon is abandoned as Milner receives accolades.
Not all of Klopp’s criticism was harsh. James Milner had a physical effect while on the bench, and his boss gave him a firm round of applause after one particularly fierce challenge in the dying seconds.
In the meantime, Anthony Gordon, a substitute for Newcastle and a former player for Everton, made a tackle that hurt Virgil van Dijk and left the Dutchman on the ground.
A repentant Following a polite pat on the back from Andy Robertson, Gordon wandered off after offering to aid Van Dijk to his feet but grew restless while waiting for the injured opponent to recognize the gesture.
Alisson said yes.
Anyone who had any doubts about Alisson Becker’s contribution to Liverpool’s campaign was amply vindicated in this match, as the goalkeeper cemented his status as perhaps the best in the world with a tremendously strong showing.
Following the final whistle, his ecstatic manager gave him a headlock, and his other Liverpool goalkeepers reciprocated with excitement.
Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian greeted Alisson with a warm smile and a handshake after waiting on the sidelines for the Brazilian to exit the field.