Liverpool’s Premier League title march ran over another top-four challenger, the Reds blanking Newcastle United 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday.
Arne Slot’s men are back in song, nearing a crescendo after beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad last time out, and this time got goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister a shutout win.
MORE – Watch full match replay | Arne Slot reacts to win
The boss’ players are in song but Slot wasn’t on the touchline. as the Premier League announced Wednesday that the Dutchman will miss Liverpool’s next two Premier League matches.
Liverpool grow their title advantage to 13 points over Arsenal, who have a match-in-hand on the Reds but dropped points again on Wednesday.
Newcastle could not build on their four-goal day at Nottingham Forest last time out, and drop three points back of fourth-place Man City, two points behind fifth-place Chelsea.
The two sides will meet again in next month’s League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, when the Magpies will try to win a first domestic trophy this side of Apollo 13.
No let-up from the champions-elect
It’s not too early to use that phrase — Liverpool are going to win their 20th Premier League unless they deliver a world-class, historic collapse while another chaser finds a shocking, likely-perfect run to finish the season. If there was a game that the Reds might’ve suffered a let-down — yes, even at Anfield — you might’ve picked this one. Newcastle are chasing a top-four spot and Liverpool were coming off a long-awaited win over Man City at the Etihad and they were staring down a rare break between games before next week’s Champions League first leg at Paris Saint-Germain. Nope. Liverpool gave up a few chances that were wasted by Callum Wilson but otherwise showed hunger and drive. Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and very-much-in-form Dominik Szoboszlai led this win, and both Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister stressed the team’s title commitment after the game when asked when they’ll start to envision title celebrations.
“Well, after mathematically they have no chance to get us. We are really happy that we are 13 points clear but we will focus on ourselves.”
That focus is proving invaluable.
Liverpool vs Newcastle player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
Liverpool vs Newcastle player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Liverpool vs Newcastle player ratings (from fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Newcastle host Brighton on Sunday in the FA Cup fifth round, then visit West Ham on Monday, March 10.
Liverpool are out of the FA Cup and next play Wednesday at PSG in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. They return to the Premier League on Saturday, March 8 versus Southampton at Anfield.
How to watch Liverpool vs Newcastle live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3:15pm ET Wednesday
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live online via NBC.com
Liverpool vs Newcastle final score: 2-0
Dominik Szoboszlai 11', Alexis Mac Allister 63'
Liverpool vs Newcastle live updates — By Nick Mendola
Four Magpies changes after Liverpool make switch
William Osula, Lewis Miley, Harvey Barnes, and Kieran Trippier enter for Wilson, Willock, Tonali, and Livramento in the 69th minute.
Liverpool had brought on Cody Gakpo for Diogo jota just before their second goal.
Alexis Mac Allister goal — Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Mo Salah mesmerizes the Newcastle defense, with three players stacked to stop him from shooting.
The Egyptian shakes himself free to lay off to a waiting Alexis Mac Allister for a thunderous finish past Nick Pope.
Long delay for bloodied Wilson
Callum Wilson needs attention for a bloodied eyebrow and there’s been quite a delay for treatment.
Expect plenty of stoppage time at Anfield (which is still ages away).
1-0 Liverpool in the 53rd minute.
Halftime — Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
There could’ve been five goals in the half, two for the Magpies who unfortunately saw Callum Wilson on hand for the chances instead of Alexander Isak.
Possession and shots both heavily in Liverpool’s favor but really is anyone’s game. Newcastle have Lewis Miley, Harvey Barnes, and William Osula on the bench and will need something different to rally for a point or more.
Diaz lively but chance sliced
The Colombian is buzzing as he drives into the box, laying off to Kostas Tsimikas.
it’s the wrong foot for Tsimikas, and he skewers the chance.
Callum Wilson flubs chance
Deputizing for Alexander Isak, who picked up aa groin injury, Callum Wilson is through on goal.
The man who has scored so many Premier League goal doesn’t even force a save out of Alisson, shanking a shot wide of the near post.
Newcastle down 1-0, 20'.
Dominik Szoboszlai goal! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle (11th minute)
Good set-up from Luis Diaz, but this is more about that in-form Hungarian.
Nick Pope should do better, but Szoboszlai deserves to be on the score sheet again with his first-time, left-footed finish.
Liverpool lineup
Alisson, Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Salah, Jota
Newcastle United lineup
Pope, Hall, Burn, Schar, Livramento, Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock, Gordon, Wilson, Murphy
Liverpool team news, focus
OUT: Joe Gomez (thigh - MORE), Conor Bradley (thigh)
Newcastle team news, focus
OUT: Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Joelinton (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Sven Botman (knee)
Liverpool vs Newcastle prediction
Well, it’d be silly to predict anything but goals, wouldn’t it? Salah has been phenomenal for Liverpool while Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have been tremendous threats for Newcastle. The two games in a short time frame usually open up proceedings to boot. Is another 3-3 possible? Very. Liverpool 2-2 Newcastle United.
