In a fitting send-off before joining the Egyptian national team for the African Cup of Nations finals, Mohamed Salah guided Liverpool to a thrilling 4-2 victory over visiting Newcastle United on Monday, cementing their place at the top of the English Premier League in what was his final match before AFCON duty.
Liverpool, having tasted defeat only once this season at Tottenham in the seventh round, moved three points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, who narrowly beat Burnley 3-2 on Saturday. The Reds also extended their lead to five points over third-placed defending champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and fourth-placed Arsenal, following their second consecutive loss.
Newcastle, under manager Eddie Howe, suffered their third consecutive Premier League defeat and has only managed one win in their last six outings, which included five losses.
Jurgen Klopp’s men reaffirmed their dominance over Newcastle, who have now lost their last six encounters with Liverpool and haven’t tasted victory at Anfield in the Premier League since April 1994.
Salah, confidently stating his belief that Liverpool could clinch the Premier League title, delivered a stunning performance, spearheading the significant win over Newcastle.
هجمة مرتدة متقنة للريدز ينهيها صلاح في شباك نيوكاسل #الدوري_الإنجليزي #ليفربول_نيوكاسل pic.twitter.com/4rBGYfpelE
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 1, 2024
British news agency, PA Media, reported that Salah regained his brilliance after missing a first-half penalty, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the second half. His tally has reached 14 goals in 20 league appearances this season, equaling Manchester City’s Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, at the top of the scoring charts.
This game marked Salah’s last appearance for Liverpool before heading off to represent Egypt in the African Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Salah expressed his satisfaction with the outcome: “It was a challenging match, but we managed to take three points, and now we lead the table. We have to stay calm and win every game.”
Responding to Liverpool’s title prospects, he said, “We truly believe in it. We have to work hard and express ourselves on the pitch. If we can do this and keep working hard, then we can continue winning.”
أرنولد يمنح صلاح تنفيذ ركلة الجزاء لكن الأخير يهدرها أمام تألق حارس نيوكاسل#الدوري_الإنجليزي #ليفربول_نيوكاسل pic.twitter.com/WvGAgwKwkG
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 1, 2024
Despite his penalty miss, Salah was not pleased to leave the team on such a note, stating, “I failed to score the penalty. Joining the national team with that performance was not what I wanted. The first penalty caught me by surprise as the goalkeeper moved, but I took the second penalty as I do in training.”
The match ended with Liverpool firm at the top of the Premier League, while Salah heads off to the national team duty with optimism and support from the Anfield faithful.
