Liverpool could and probably should have hammered Newcastle United by a far greater margin at St James’s Park this afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s side moved top of the Premier League standings after securing a 1-0 win away to the Magpies.
However, Liverpool were by far the dominant side and on another day, the Reds would be returning to Merseyside with victory by much more than a solitary goal.
Martin Dubravka’s goal was peppered throughout a relatively one-sided second half, after Naby Keita fired the visitors ahead in the first 45 minutes.
One moment after the break summed up Liverpool, when Andy Robertson tried to lob Dubravka from the edge of the penalty area, despite an impossible angle.
In hindsight, squaring to the unmarked Luis Diaz on the penalty spot would’ve been the smarter option.
And Jim Beglin, speaking live on Optus Sport, claimed that the Colombia international – who joined Liverpool for £49 million during the January transfer window – was frustrated by his Scottish teammate’s decision.
He said: “Look at Luis Diaz. Straight away he said to him just ‘square it to me. I’m in complete freedom’.”
Massive
Profligacy aside, with even Mohamed Salah guilty of spurning gilt-edged chances after coming on, this is a massive victory for Liverpool.
The Merseysiders have moved top of the Premier League standings by two points ahead of Manchester City, who can re-take their place at the summit by beating Leeds United at Elland Road this evening.
But there’s massive pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side now.
At this point of the season, results are far more important than performances.
It wasn’t pretty for Liverpool this afternoon, but they defended exceptionally and that’s why they’re challenging for the Premier League title.
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