LIVERPOOL FIRST GOAL (10th minute)
Liverpool controlled the ball on their own half while the Newcastle defence did not take up their defensive positions correctly. Newcastle only had 5 outfield players in their own half, allowing Liverpool numerical superiority.
Liverpool’s wingers did not take part in the goal their positional play forced Newcastle out wide, creating space for the strikers.
Gakpo went to the center and left a free zone for Robertson, at the same time, Salah and Alexander-Arnold had space on the right to move with the ball.
Salah received the ball from Fabinho and immediately passed to a free Alexander-Arnold in the center of midfield. The Liverpool defender had 2 options to continue the attack – to make a long pass to the left side to Robertson or between the defenders for a Nunez run.
One of the Newcastle’s defenders left Nunez free and ran to close Robertson down on the wing. This left Nunez with space and Alexander-Arnold saw the opportunity for a lobbed through ball.
Nunez brings the ball down well and smashes it past Nick Pope, giving the Newcastle goalkeeper no chance.
SECOND LIVERPOOL GOAL (17th minute)
The second goal begins with Liverpool playing out from the back. The Reds were put under heavy pressure by Newcastle but the young midfielder Bajcetic made himself free to receive the ball.
Bajcetic turned quickly and began running forward, successfully beating Newcastle’s press.
Bajcetic’s great movement is what began Liverpool’s counter attack. Liverpool had enough time and attacking players in their opponent’s half to create chaos for the Newcastle defence. Bajcetic had at least 4 options in front of him.
Bajcetic passed to Gakpo the Dutchman played a quick pass back to Fabinho. Gakpo then made a run to the opponent’s penalty area.
Meanwhile Salah moved from the right wing position towards the centre and Fabinho played an excellent pass forward to the free Egyptian. Salah saw Gakpo’s run and immediately made a decision to lob the ball towards Dutchman who was lying in wait in Newcastle’s box.
A beautiful lobbed ball to Gakpo creates a perfect scoring chance for Liverpool.
Gakpo manages to tuck it away past Nick Pope in goal. A difficult finish taken well.
