Liverpool’s Dominant Victory Over Newcastle: A Closer Look on Daily Red Podcast

Unsatisfying Triumph Despite Overwhelming Stats

Liverpool’s recent 4-2 victory against Newcastle at Anfield was a display of sheer dominance, yet it left a sense of dissatisfaction. Dave Hendrick in his Daily Red podcast from Anfield Index described the match as an “unsatisfying ass kicking.” Liverpool missed a multitude of chances, with an extraordinary 34 shots in the game, 15 on target, and an expected goals (XG) of somewhere between 6.9 and 7.4, depending on the source. This XG is noted as the highest ever recorded in the Premier League.

Key Moments and Missed Opportunities

The match was punctuated by missed opportunities, including a poorly executed penalty by Mo Salah and a missed 1v1 by Darwin Nunez. Despite these, Liverpool managed to secure their first goal at the 49-minute mark, thanks to a combined effort from Darwin, Dominic, and Diaz, culminating in an easy goal for Salah. However, the satisfaction was short-lived as Newcastle equalised five minutes later.

Liverpool’s Response to Newcastle’s Challenge

Despite the temporary setback, Liverpool regained control, with Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo scoring the next two goals. Hendrick remarked on the team’s ability to dismantle Newcastle’s defenses, particularly highlighting Jota’s role in building up the play. Even with a late goal from Newcastle, Liverpool sealed the win with a second penalty, again scored by Salah.

Analysing Liverpool’s Performance and Future Prospects

Hendrick expressed his view on Liverpool’s current position in the league. He stated, “I still don’t think we’ll win the league. I still think it’s City’s League to lose.” However, he acknowledged Liverpool’s impressive performance in what he termed “year one of our rebuilds.” He specifically noted the excellence of players like Curtis Jones and Endo, who played a significant role in the victory.

In conclusion, Liverpool’s performance against Newcastle was a testament to their attacking prowess, but also highlighted areas needing improvement. With more consistency and precision in finishing, Liverpool could turn their dominant play into more convincing victories.