Aoba Tanaka 
Liverpool claimed a convincing victory against Newcastle as Mohamed Salah bid farewell to the Premier League before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah’s two goals and an assist contributed to Liverpool’s triumph, earning them a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The match served as a test of Liverpool’s composure and resources, which they passed convincingly.
Despite Newcastle’s initial defensive resilience, Salah’s brace, along with goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo, secured a comfortable win for Liverpool. The victory showcased Liverpool’s depth and ability to overcome challenges, with manager Jürgen Klopp praising the team’s resilience in the face of missed chances and unexpected setbacks.
The win against Newcastle further solidifies Liverpool’s position at the top of the league, with a notable six-point swing in their favor over Arsenal in the past week. Salah’s stellar performance marked a historic moment, as he reached 151 league goals for Liverpool, becoming only the fifth player in the club’s history to achieve this milestone.
Newcastle, on the other hand, faced their seventh defeat in eight matches, highlighting their struggle with defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of confidence in possession. Despite some controversy surrounding Salah’s penalty and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s disagreement with the decision, Liverpool’s dominance remained undisputed.
As Mohamed Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool looks ahead to maintaining their lead and continuing their impressive form when the league resumes after the international break.
