In a gripping encounter at St. James’ Park, Liverpool edged past Newcastle United with a final score of 2-1 in the Premier League. The final on a wet, chilly afternoon would see both teams display immense class and heart. It started with Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch scoring the opener, only for Bruno Guimarães to equalize for Newcastle. Hugo Ekitike ensured all three points went the way of the visitors, scoring with a perfectly placed low shot.
In the 35th minute, Liverpool took the advantage. Gravenberch let fly with a low drive, guiding the ball through the legs of Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães. The shot took a wicked deflection off the bottom of the left-hand post and settled into the goal. This first goal would prove to instill a sense of belief that had been missing in the Liverpool side. By minute 38 they looked completely calm on the ball, and Newcastle was wondering how to regain their shape.
Only a minute after, the Magpies tried to hit back themselves as Anthony Elanga opened up room on the right flank. His fourth long pass located Anthony Gordon once again, though the shot failed to challenge Liverpool’s keeper.
The match saw a significant moment in the 55th minute when Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali fell awkwardly while grappling with Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike. In the 66th minute, Tonali was subbed off after suffering an injury. His exit opening the door for Miley to fill his void turned Newcastle’s midfield from certain dynamism into a complete question mark.
Newcastle leveled in the 65th minute through a wonderful strike. Bruno Guimarães wrapped it up in style, directing a wonderful header into the bottom right corner. Watch @TinoLivramento deep curling throw at the 0:40 mark. As a result, it totally surprised Liverpool’s marking off the corner, resulting in the goal.
As the match progressed, Liverpool responded swiftly. The forward who was arguably the visitor’s biggest threat at all times in the match, Ekitike scored the crucial first goal in the 70th minute. And Curtis Jones’ perfectly-timed assist didn’t hurt either. He wound up, sending a low shot of real force which smashed off the bottom of the left-hand post on its way home.
Tensions flared during the match. 62nd minute Tonali is head and shoulders above the rest of the expensive midfielders clashing with Wirtz. In the process of their tussle, Wirtz unintentionally backhanded Tonali on ear. In the 76th minute, Newcastle subbed Joelinton for Hall. Schar took a nasty gash to the back of his head and had to exit the game. Thiaw came on for him in the 82nd minute.
Liverpool made their tactical changes in the 80th minute. They introduced Bradley and Chiesa for Wirtz and Ekitike, intent on seeing their lead preserved as the seconds bled out.
As the final whistle approached, supporters voiced their opinion on different events. Paul Griffin commented on the refereeing decisions, stating:
“I’m finding these RefCam shots slightly nauseating. The wobbly in-your-face shots are a little reminiscent of Peep Show, although Super Hans, Dobby, and of course Alan Johnson are far more-suited to elite-level officiating than most of the current crew.”
The game ended with no further changes to the score. Liverpool won the match by 2 goals to 1 over Newcastle United, earning an important three points in their chase up the table in the Premier League.
“Watching Liverpool’s early struggles, I decided it was time to break out my lucky Gerrard jersey. Sure enough, they score almost immediately after I put it on, and now Gordon is sent off. You’re welcome, Reds fans!”
Following Gordon’s earlier dismissal, Mary Waltz expressed her disappointment:
“Gutted for ex-Evertonian Gordon, he was looking so good. The red is a deserved call.”
The match concluded without any further alterations to the scoreline. Liverpool emerged victorious with two goals against Newcastle’s one, securing a crucial three points in their Premier League campaign.