How national press hailed Mohamed Salah as Liverpool smash Newcastle United in ‘pulsating’ goal-fest

Liverpool’s brilliance dominated the national reaction to Newcastle United’s latest Anfield nightmare. Unsurprisingly, the Reds received plenty of post-match plaudits after putting the Magpies to the sword in brutal fashion.

Newcastle held out until the 74th minute when Curtis Jones restored Liverpool’s advantage. It had been a valiant effort from Martin Dubravka until that point as he kept wave after wave of Reds attack at bay.

Cody Gakpo made it three four minutes later before Sven Botman almost triggered a shock comeback with a bullet header from a corner. Any hopes of a miracle were quickly dashed when referee Anthony Taylor awarded Liverpool a penalty for a foul on Diogo Jota.

The incident gained little coverage in the national press, likely owing to Jurgen Klopp’s men deservingly winning on the night. Three points puts Liverpool top of the league by three points with Newcastle, on the other hand, suffering their seventh defeat in eight games.

Newcastle World has profiled how outlets across the country reacted to another dismal night on Merseyside.

Comfortable victory - The Guardian

“Mohamed Salah signed off for the Africa Cup of Nations with two goals and an assist as Liverpool eased three points clear at the Premier League summit against a deflated Newcastle. For Newcastle, however, a seventh defeat in eight matches, a striking lack of confidence in possession and some desperate defending – Dubravka excluded – increased the malaise. 

“Victory was ultimately comfortable against a Newcastle team that unravelled defensively as the game wore on and would have been far more comprehensive but for a Salah penalty miss and fine goalkeeping from Martin Dubravka. Howe argued that Liverpool’s fourth, a Salah penalty, should never have been awarded after substitute Diogo Jota tumbled after a slight touch from the Newcastle keeper. But he could not bemoan the outcome.”

Liverpool ones to watch - Sky Sports

“Liverpool moved three points clear in the Premier League title race after beating Newcastle 4-2 in a pulsating game they dominated but only sealed late on. It was never a straightforward evening as Newcastle were level at 1-1 with 16 minutes to play after Alexander Isak had cancelled out Mohamed Salah's opener.

“Somehow, despite the one-sided nature of the stats, Newcastle got within one goal when Sven Botman headed home but Salah scored from the penalty spot after Diogo Jota controversially went down under challenge from Martin Dubravka with the goal gaping.

“It was a night where Salah delivered in his last involvement before the African Cup of Nations as Klopp's side extended their advantage at the top of the table. Liverpool start 2024 with a bang. They are the ones to catch.”

Howe will be embarrassed - The Telegraph

“At one stage it appeared the story would be about Liverpool’s extraordinary wastefulness which, given they finished with four goals, now appears churlish. But look at those chances, look at the statistics, look at their dominance of Newcastle who are on such a worrying slide.

“Given how much store Eddie Howe traditionally gives to defensive stability he will be embarrassed to see that his team conceded an XG – expected goals – of 7.27 which is the highest in the Premier League since such records began in 2010. That means Liverpool should have scored at least seven goals and frankly if they had achieved 10 it would not have flattered them. 

“They had 34 attempts on goal with 15 on target and while Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was outstanding, making 10 saves, the joint most this season, the bigger factor was Liverpool’s failure to capitalise.”