Liverpool extended their Premier League lead to 13 points with a commanding 2-0 victory over Newcastle at Anfield. With 10 games remaining, they appear to be cruising towards their 20th league title, as their rivals struggle to keep pace. The atmosphere inside the stadium reflected a growing sense of inevitability, with fans already celebrating what seems to be an unstoppable charge to the top.
News of Arsenal’s earlier draw at Nottingham Forest had barely settled when Dominik Szoboszlai put Liverpool ahead. The midfielder, growing in influence under Arne Slot, capitalized on some clever work from Luis Díaz, who danced past Tino Livramento before cutting the ball back. Szoboszlai’s shot lacked power but took a fortunate deflection off Dan Burn, wrong-footing Nick Pope and giving the home side the lead. It was the second game in a row that Szoboszlai had found the net, further justifying the manager’s call for him to shoot more often.
Newcastle, meanwhile, struggled to threaten despite an improved second-half display. Their challenge had been complicated before kick-off with Alexander Isak joining Joelinton and Sven Botman on the injury list. Callum Wilson, handed his first league start of the season, had two golden opportunities but lacked sharpness in front of goal. The first, set up by Anthony Gordon, would have been ruled offside, but the second after a long pass from Burn was a glaring miss.
Liverpool never looked in danger of letting their grip slip, and their second goal was a moment of brilliance. Alexis Mac Allister pounced on a loose pass from Sandro Tonali and surged forward before feeding Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian was quickly closed down but had the composure to return the ball to Mac Allister, who struck a first-time finish into the top corner. It was Salah’s 22nd assist of the season in all competitions, underlining his continued importance despite recent injuries.
The win marked the end of a demanding run of fixtures for the league leaders, who have come through unscathed and in an even stronger position. Concerns after recent performances against Everton, Wolves, and Aston Villa have been emphatically silenced. The relentless work rate and confidence that have defined their season were on full display once again.
Slot, serving a touchline ban, watched from the directors’ box while former Everton player John Heitinga directed the team from the sidelines. The transition was seamless, reflecting the stability and discipline of this Liverpool side. Díaz, in particular, was tireless in attack, constantly stretching the Newcastle defense.
Salah thought he should have been awarded a penalty early on when he appeared to be tripped by Lewis Hall while chasing a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass. Instead, the referee penalized Salah for a foul, much to the frustration of the Liverpool bench. But any controversy was soon forgotten as the home side imposed themselves on the game.
Newcastle had a bit more fight in the second half but never truly threatened to change the outcome. Liverpool continued to press for a third, with Salah delivering a stunning outside-of-the-foot cross that Díaz nearly converted at the back post.
With a Carabao Cup final meeting against Newcastle in 18 days, Eddie Howe will be hoping for reinforcements to return from injury. His side has been inconsistent in recent weeks, and confidence will need to be rebuilt before the Wembley showdown.
For Liverpool, however, the path ahead looks clearer than ever. With each passing game, they are tightening their grip on the title, turning the run-in into something of a victory lap.
