Liverpool’s Dominant Display Edges Them Closer to Premier League Title
Liverpool’s pursuit of a record-equalling 20th English championship title received a significant boost tonight as they comfortably defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at Anfield. Despite manager Arne Slot’s cautionary words earlier, emphasizing that the title is not yet secured, the Reds’ performance against the Magpies showcased their unwavering focus and supremacy. Liverpool has indeed taken the symbolic torch from defending champions Manchester City and further distanced themselves from their nearest challengers, Arsenal, who were held to a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. The Premier League is notoriously competitive, but tonight’s victory was a clear indication that Liverpool are not just leading the pack; they are a step or two ahead, largely due to the exceptional form of Mohamed Salah, a player capable of winning any game on his own.
Szoboszlai’s Timely Contributions
The match’s first goal came from an unexpected source, though one that should have been predictable given recent trends. Dominik Szoboszlai, in his 59th Premier League appearance, scored his second goal in as many games, a feat he has now achieved for the first time in the competition. Strikingly, all three of Liverpool’s earliest Premier League goals at Anfield since the start of last season have been netted by Szoboszlai. His goals in the 3rd minute against Aston Villa in September 2023, the 11th minute against Ipswich in January 2025, and the 11th minute against Newcastle today have not only been timely but also crucial in securing important points. Szoboszlai’s knack for scoring early has become a reliable asset for the Reds, adding a new dimension to their attack.
Newcastle’s Early Struggles
From the outset, Newcastle faced an uphill battle. The absence of their top scorer, Alexander Isak, due to a groin injury, was a significant blow. Isak, who currently leads the Premier League scoring charts with 19 goals this season, is a formidable forward, and his absence left the Magpies without their most potent attacking weapon. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm and managed zero shots on target in the first half. This is not the first time Newcastle has faced such difficulties at Anfield; in three of the last six instances where they had only one shot or fewer in the first half of a Premier League game, it occurred here against Liverpool (April 2021 and January 2024). The home side’s relentless pressure and high-energy approach made it evident that Newcastle was in for a tough evening.
Liverpool’s Energetic Efficiency
Despite the demanding schedule, which saw seven Liverpool players making their fifth start in just two weeks, the Reds delivered an energetic and efficient performance. Their ability to maintain high intensity and tactical discipline is a testament to the depth and resilience of their squad. The much-needed break from FA Cup action this weekend will provide a welcome respite for the team, allowing key players to recover and prepare for the crucial matches ahead. Luis Diaz’s performance in the first half was particularly encouraging. He provided an assist and was involved in four of Liverpool’s five shots during that period, demonstrating his growing importance to the team. Diaz’s contribution, along with Szoboszlai’s goal, helped Liverpool reach a significant milestone: they are the first Premier League club to score 100 goals in all competitions this season, a feat that underscores their attacking prowess.
Salah’s Unmatched Assist Record
The game turned decisively in Liverpool’s favor just after the hour mark when Alexis Mac Allister scored, with Mohamed Salah providing the assist. This marked Salah’s 17th assist in the Premier League this season, more than any other player. Salah’s achievement places him among an elite group in Premier League history. He is the third player to assist 17 or more goals in open play during a single season, joining Thierry Henry (20 assists in 2002-03) and Kevin De Bruyne (17 assists in 2019-20). Salah’s ability to create opportunities and his unerring accuracy in the final third have been instrumental in Liverpool’s title push. His recent form has been nothing short of breathtaking; he has contributed to goals in his last seven league appearances, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. Additionally, he has been directly involved in 42 goals across 28 Premier League matches this season, matching his personal best from the 2017-18 campaign. Salah’s performances have been so dominant that he should be the unanimous choice for Footballer of the Year and Premier League Most Valuable Player.
Title Race Nears Its Conclusion
The news that Arsenal had been held to a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest added another layer of significance to Liverpool’s win. This result has widened the gap to 13 points, though the Gunners do have a game in hand. With 10 games left to play, the title race seems all but decided. While anything can happen in football, the current trajectory suggests that a significant collapse from Liverpool, coupled with an unlikely resurgence from Arsenal, would be required to alter the outcome. For now, it’s a matter of counting down the weeks until Liverpool’s title win becomes a mathematical certainty, a moment that could arrive sooner rather than later. The team’s consistency, depth, and the brilliance of players like Salah and Szoboszlai have put them in a formidable position, and the Premier League title looks well within their grasp.
