In an exciting Premier League game between Liverpool and Newcastle at Anfield, it was the Red's that picked up the three points and continued their winning run after a 3-1 win.

The game saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's play his 50th game for the Reds! Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Divock Origi were restored to the starting line-up in the only alterations made to the team and Newcastle, who suffered a lot of injuries, saw Jonjo Shelvey on the starting XI in place of injured Sean Longstaff, who hurt his ankle during training on Friday.

Within 7 minutes of the game a goal was scored, however it was not by the home side. What a strike from Willems, in what was his first goal for the club after he had a shot from the edge of the box and struck it beautifully right into the top right corner! There was no stopping that! Atsu got the assist in this as he passed it cleanly to Willems. Newcastle had the lead early on. Steve Bruce was clearly pleased with how his side started and Liverpool were left stunned by the goal.

It was clear from this point on that Newcastle were waiting for the counter attack to try and get goals.

Within the 27th minute, Liverpool equalised from a stunning strike from Mane. A cross from Robertson saw Liverpool equalise, as the powerful shot went into the top corner. Two great goals saw it all level again at Anfield and Liverpool had more confidence after this. This goal knocked Newcastle a bit as they knew that if they conceded, it would be hard to stop Liverpool from getting more goals.

An early substitution had to be made for the Reds as Origi was down and receiving treatment and although he is able to walk off the pitch okay, Klopp obviously doesn't want to risk him and replaces him with benched Firmino. Newcastle were just trying to hold on after this, trying to defend and defend as hard as they could to stop any more goals and deny Liverpool of the lead. They needed to counter if they wanted to get another goal.

Liverpool managed to get the lead in the 38th minute after Firmino made an instant impact! Firmino's first touch was to slot the ball in behind the Toon defence and into Mane's path. It should have been Dubravka's ball but he made a mess of it and the ball popped up for Mane to tuck home. A serious error from the Newcastle keeper saw the Reds go ahead before half time. Half time came and Liverpool led 2-1. Liverpool are unbeaten when leading at Anfield in the first half in their last 94 games, an amazing statistic to have.

The second half got underway and Newcastle weren't giving up, as they had a few shots and put a bit of pressure on Liverpool. Steve Bruce made a slight tweak at half time to make Almiron move to a more attacking position in line with Joelinton.

After missed chances from both sides, the Reds got their third and final goal in the 71st minute. Firmino cleverly flicked the ball to Salah, who ran wide into the box and slickly and sublimely finished it off and buried the ball into the far corner. Sensational play from the Reds to make it 3-1. Absolute class.

Nothing much happened after this, as Newcastle struggled to get back into the game. Schar had to come off with an injury and was replaced by Fernandez. Mane looked for his hat trick late on in the game as he slotted the ball into the back of the net, but it was deemed offside.

Full time saw Liverpool go five points clear at the top!! That is their 14th consecutive win and fifth consecutive win this season to keep up their unbeaten run. Newcastle will be disappointed with the result, as they go away with no points, but they certainly gave it their all and had some brilliant individual performances! 3-1 Liverpool.

Jetro Willems

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