Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on December 5th was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. The game, discussed in depth on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, highlighted the challenges of a gruelling Premier League season. Hosted by Dave Davis, with insights from the esteemed David Lynch, the episode dissected the tactical nuances and individual performances that shaped the match. Here’s a detailed analysis.
Newcastle: A Testing Ground for Title Aspirations
“Going away to Newcastle is hard anyway,” noted David Lynch, emphasising the difficulty of this fixture. He added, “Arsenal lost there, Man City dropped points there, and they’ve beaten Chelsea as well.” This statement underscores the resilience required to secure even a point at St. James’ Park.
Liverpool’s performance was a tale of two halves. Curtis Jones, reflecting on the match, described the first half as “terrible,” highlighting Liverpool’s struggles in midfield against Newcastle’s direct play. However, the second half saw a resurgence. “We upped it again,” Jones said, crediting his goal for changing the game’s momentum.
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s Match-Winner
The standout performance came from Mohamed Salah, whose brilliance was widely praised by both Lynch and Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager. Despite a subdued first half, Salah turned the game around, recording two goals and an assist. Slot summarised, “He wasn’t playing his best game in the first hour, but then he comes up with two goals, an assist, and a shot on the bar.”
Salah’s current form has been nothing short of extraordinary. Lynch commented, “He’s on 13 goals and 8 assists in just 14 Premier League games this season,” adding that Slot seems to be “getting even more out of Salah, which you didn’t think was possible.” Lynch described Salah’s performance against Newcastle as “world-class, arguably the best player in the world at the moment.”
Defensive Struggles and Tactical Adjustments
Liverpool’s defence came under scrutiny, with Lynch admitting, “Joe Gomez didn’t have a very good game, and Kelleher will be gutted with the way the equaliser happened.” However, Lynch also pointed out Newcastle’s advantage in energy levels, given their free week compared to Liverpool’s recent clash with Real Madrid.
The introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half was a game-changer. “Liverpool’s improvement in buildup was a big part of Trent coming on,” noted Lynch. His creativity and precision helped Liverpool regain control and created opportunities for Salah and others.
A Title Race Perspective
Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser, Lynch urged fans to remain optimistic. “You’re not going to win every game between now and the end of the season,” he said. “The gap at the top allows you to drop points here and there.”
Lynch’s calm assessment of the title race resonates with the broader context. Arsenal’s loss at Newcastle earlier in the season and Manchester City’s struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of the league. Lynch summarised, “A point at Newcastle isn’t a disaster, especially when Arsenal lost there.”
Looking Ahead to Everton
Liverpool’s next challenge is a derby against Everton. Lynch expects key players like Trent and Dominik Szoboszlai to start and believes the team will approach the game with renewed determination. “This should be a much more winnable game,” he said, contrasting Everton’s recent form with Newcastle’s formidable home record.
Conclusion: Resilience Over Perfection
The draw against Newcastle serves as a reminder of the challenges in a title-winning campaign. As Lynch aptly put it, “Sometimes you just have to accept it, take the positives, and move on.” With Salah in imperious form and Liverpool maintaining a healthy lead in the table, the season holds immense promise.
Liverpool fans can find solace in the team’s resilience and the brilliance of their star players. As discussed on the Media Matters podcast, the journey to reclaim the Premier League title is far from over, with plenty of opportunities to strengthen their position at the top.
