Liverpool have recorded a 1-0 cushion over Newcastle United midway through their clash at St James’s Park.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have earned a deserved lead at the half-time break, but could it have been a better advantage?
The answer is, well, yes.
Naby Keita opened the scoring for Liverpool but Sadio Mane could and probably should have fattened the lead.
A swift counter attack led to the Senegal international – a £30 million signing in 2016 – only having to beat the Newcastle goalkeeper, but Martin Dubravka denied him.
Klopp cut a frustrated figure on the touchline in what was a relatively simple chance for someone of Mane’s quality.
And here’s what Jim Beglin said after seeing Klopp on the touchline.
He told Optus Sport: “As soon as I saw Mane shaping his body so he could pick out his spot. I wasn’t expecting him to go down the middle. Jurgen Klopp disappointed on that one. He felt more could’ve been made of it.”
It definitely should’ve been 2-0 to Liverpool, but there’s still 45 minutes for Klopp’s side to enhance their lead.
As things stand, the Anfield outfit are going top of the Premier League table and two points above Manchester City, who visit Leeds United at Elland Road this evening.
That’s a difficult game and three points for Liverpool here would pile the pressure on City later on today, but Newcastle have had a couple of promising moments – including a disallowed goal – and therefore the Reds must avoid complacency at all costs.
This game isn’t over.
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