Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo scored early goals to help Liverpool upset Newcastle 2-0 on the road in the Premier League on Saturday.
Nunez scored the game’s first goal after sliding in behind the Newcastle defence and slamming past goalkeeper Nick Pope. Soon after, Gakpo scored for the second time in a row to give Liverpool a double-digit advantage.
Newcastle’s job grew much more difficult when Pope was sent off in the 22nd minute for touching the ball outside the penalty area. Without Pope, the team will be unable to play in its first major final in 24 years, when it faces Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final the following week.
Newcastle, who had only won one of their previous seven league games, is currently six points behind Liverpool after their victory on Saturday. Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp’s squad still has a game to play.
“Our goals against 11 were all flawless. “We played well, but against 10, we lost our concentration and were unable to restore it,” Klopp remarked.
“But, there were instances in the second half when we might have scored more. We have made progress on our trip.”
Nunez scored in the 10th minute after receiving a long ball from Trent Alexander Arnold, handing Newcastle their first league setback since falling to Liverpool at the end of August.
Gakpo added to Liverpool’s lead seven minutes later, finishing on a superb ball from Mohamed Salah. Gakpo scored his second goal of the week after opening the scoring against Everton.
Newcastle deserves a lot of credit for Saturday’s defeat, despite losing a man in the process. They were also very likely the better team for long portions of the game.
Alisson produced an incredible stop to deflect Allan Saint-hard Maximin’s effort into the goalpost, and Dan Burn’s header also hit the post.
They continued to create chances in the second half, with Callum Wilson missing once again and Fabian Schar heading across goal.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said, “I thought they were clinical with their chances when they came, and certainly Nick Pope’s sending-off turned the game.”
I haven’t actually talked to him, but when I have seen him, he is visibly troubled.”
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