Jordan Henderson ‘big makes St James’ Park claim ahead of Newcastle United v Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson immediately turned his focus to Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United - after the Merseyside derby victory over Everton.

The Reds ended a run of four Premier League matches without a win by beating their bitter rivals 2-0 after goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

While the Toffees are deep in relegation trouble, Eddie Howe’s Magpies are locked in a Champions League race - currently sitting 4th in the table, nine points above the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, in 9th, still harbour hopes of finishing in the top four but know a result at St James’ Park is required to reduce the gap. Henderson admits it won’t be easy against a United side who are unbeaten in 17 matches.

“The next game is a big test,” said the Sunderland-born midfielder. “Newcastle are flying this season. I think they are unbeaten in 11, something like that. So it’s really, really tough place to go and play but if we can perform like we did tonight and more than you never know what can happen.”

Henderson hopes the victory over the Toffees will prove the catalyst to Liverpool returning to their ‘old selves’. But Klopp has challenged his players to prove they are back to their

Liverpool boss Klopp doesn’t seem to agree with Salah and moved quickly to play down premature talk of Liverpool being back to their very best.

“We have to prove it,” the German told BBC Sport. “We cannot now say, ‘That’s it. We are back’. That would be really dumb, but it felt like us, it looked like us.

“It’s not the best timing but if that’s the moment, we take it and let’s go from here - but we have to keep going. Very interesting and difficult games to play, but I think with that tonight everyone starts believing a little bit more again in us. It felt just like a massive relief after the game to be honest that we could play the game we played. Now, let’s carry on.”