Newcastle United suffered their first home defeat of 2022 with a 1-0 defeat to quadruple-chasing Liverpool.
Naby Keita’s goal on 19 minutes was the difference, though the Reds did have opportunities to extend their advantage but were denied by Martin Dubravka.
The Magpies remain in the top half ahead of later fixtures, while Jurgen Klopp’s moved into 1st position with Manchester City playing at Leeds United this evening.
Eddie Howe made three changes from the side that beat Norwich City 3-0 last weekend.
Fabian Schar, fresh from signing a new two-year contract with Newcastle, returned in place of captain Jamaal Lascelles to partner Dan Burn in defence.
Jonjo Shelvey replaced Sean Longstaff - joining Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield - with Miguel Almiron coming for Jacob Murphy on the right-hand side.
Joelinton continued as the left forward, where he scored a brace at Carrow Road. Allan Saint-Maximin started as the central striker.
Liverpool opened the scoring on 19 minutes through Keita as he waltzed into the penalty area before firing past Martin Dunbravka.
The Newcastle bench appealed for a foul when Fabian Schar was dispossessed by James Milner in the build-up but the replays did show the former United winger did win the ball clearly.
Here, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Newcastle United player ratings from the defeat to Liverpool:
1. Martin Dubravka - 8
Wrong footed for Naby Keita’s opener. Pulled off an outstanding save to keep out Diogo Jota’s header on 41 minutes. Kept the scoreline down in the second-half with a number of saves.
2. Emil Krafth - 6
A strong athletic display but ultimately had his work cut out coming up against Andy Robertson, Sadio Mane and then Luis Diaz. Photo: George Wood
3. Fabian Schar - 5
Dispossessed by James Milner in the build-up for Keita’s opener. Wanted a foul but as the replays show, the tackle was fair. Far from the best way to mark his new contract.
4. Dan Burn - 7
Swept up the majority of his headers at the back. Wasn’t tested fully with Liverpool attacking play coming in the wide areas. Photo: Stu Forster