When Liverpool came from behind to defeat Newcastle United on Sunday, it was one of the greatest Premier League triumphs of the Jurgen Klopp era.
Despite Virgil van Dijk being sent off just before the half-hour mark, Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score a thrilling late double and cancel Anthony Gordon’s opening goal as the Reds grabbed a 2-1 victory.
With this outcome, Klopp’s team has now gone 14 games without losing in the league, which is the longest active streak in the top division.
However, lots occurred over the 90 minutes at St James’ Park that went undetected or unnoticed.
Red makes the air blue.
It should go without saying that Van Dijk was not pleased with the decision to exclude him for challenging Alexander Isak. The captain of Liverpool was heard telling referee John Brooks that there was “no chance” while VAR reviewed the initial red card.
Van Dijk then appeared to tell the official that the dismissal was a “f***ing joke” after Brooks informed him that his call had been upheld.
Industrial jargon is typical during heated Premier League contests, especially after a potentially crucial choice. Any more sanctions for Van Dijk would appear unjustifiably severe and pave the way for similar sanctions against most players this season.
Klopp stimulates imagination
The presence of chief jester Jason Tindall on the home bench is typically enough to incite hostility, despite the North East’s desire to foster an intense rivalry between Newcastle and Liverpool.
This was demonstrated after only a few minutes when the Magpies assistant manager put his finger to his lips and told the Reds bench to stop talking after a foul on Trent Alexander-Arnold went unpunished.
Later, as Liverpool won, a photo of Klopp making the same gesture on social media went viral. But it turned out to be the creation of a single supporter with a cunning mind and some Photoshop talent. Still, it’s funny.
Unruly Nunez
Nunez has never been one to hide his feelings when playing baseball. And each of his two goals elicited a unique reaction from his celebrations.
The Uruguayan sprinted behind the goal after scoring the equalizer, sank to his knees, and then put his fingers in his ears to try to quiet the home crowd. Then the victor fell on the ground once more, but this time he turned his ecstatic attention to the traveling Kop that was standing high up in the stands before rising to his feet.
Nunez, though, not before giving the close Newcastle supporters a wink and a quick kiss. Tindall would be pleased.
Joyful Diaz
On Sunday, there were many different former players in the press box. Former ECHO columnists Jan Molby and Mark Lawrenson were present for Liverpool, while Rob Lee and the legendary Malcolm Macdonald were present for Newcastle.
Another elderly Magpie remained after the game to catch up with a fellow countryman.
Up until fellow Colombian Luis Diaz emerged from the away dressing room for a lengthy conversation and a heartfelt embrace, Faustino Asprilla could be seen sitting next to the tunnel.