Liverpool show they have key Premier League title attributes in Newcastle comeback win
In pictures: Liverpool v Newcastle
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Despite going a goal down, Liverpool were able to mount a successful comeback against Newcastle to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City. With the 3-1 win at Anfield, the Reds also showcased a key attribute they will need in order to reclaim the title they lost last season.
Jurgen Klopp’s men were totally on top in the opening minutes but were left shocked when Jonjo Shelvey produced a brilliant strike from outside of the box to put the visitors in front.
Both of their title rivals have made hard work of beating teams who are lower down the table, City with Wolves and Chelsea with Burnley.
The Reds were arguably facing a tougher task than either of those clubs, with both City and the Blues scoring the first goal.
But rather than fall back to prevent any further damage, Liverpool went on the attack and looked to exploit Newcastle’s defensive set-up.
Klopp’s men continued to press forward and create chances, though were unable to find a way past Martin Dubravka until the 21st minute.
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The hosts took advantage of Isaac Hayden’s decision to go down with an apparent injury to get back on level terms through Diogo Jota, who blasted in after seeing a header brilliantly saved by Dubravka.
It took just four minutes for Liverpool to complete their comeback when Mohamed Salah took advantage of awful defending to fire in his side’s second goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold added a late stunner, with those goals and the three points being just reward for Liverpool, who dominated the Premier League clash.
They enjoyed 75 per cent of the possession as they mostly pinned Newcastle in their own half, holding the Magpies to just two shots on target.
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That ability to turn dominance into goals and wins will be a key attribute to possess as the Reds slug it out for the title.
With Chelsea in particular dropping points against teams they would be expected to beat, Liverpool’s ability to brush aside teams hands them a major advantage.
The comeback itself is also a hint that Liverpool possess the ingredients to sustain their title challenge.
City were unable to recover after falling behind to Crystal Palace, dropping valuable points in the process.
Liverpool meanwhile ensured they remained calm and kept the pressure up on what is a vulnerable Newcastle defence.
The ability to fight back to claim the win indicates that the Reds retain the determination that will be needed over the second-half of the campaign.
While they were less gung-ho in the second period, Liverpool continued to dominate possession, ensuring Newcastle failed to gain a foothold in the game.
In showing the attributes needed for their title challenge, Liverpool maintained their one-point gap to City at the top of the table, a strong position for the rest of the season.
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