Liverpool extended their lead at the top to 13 points with 10 games remaining, dispatching Newcastle United with a controlled and composed display at Anfield last night.
News of Arsenal’s draw at Nottingham Forest filtered through before Alexis Mac Allister sealed the points, adding to Dominik Szoboszlai’s first-half goal.
“What impressed me most was that this was our fifth game in 15 days,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said.
“Everton we all know how emotional that was, then Wolves, then two difficult away games with Villa and City.
“To show up the way we did tonight, hardly conceding a chance against a very good team like Newcastle, is a big compliment for the players.”
Despite a punishing schedule, Liverpool showed no signs of fatigue. Luis Diaz was relentless on the left, Szoboszlai continued his resurgence, and Mac Allister demonstrated his class once more.
Newcastle failed to offer a real threat, their biggest chance falling to Callum Wilson, who fluffed his finish when put through on goal.
Slot watched from the stands due to suspension, but his team never missed a step. John Heitinga led from the touchline, but the system remained seamless.
“Watching it in real time is less stressful,” Slot admitted. “You have a better overview.
“The downside is you can see replays as well, and, as you know from the reason why I was suspended, I can get emotional about certain decisions!”
Liverpool’s second goal showcased their sharpness. Mac Allister pounced on a loose Newcastle pass and fed Mohamed Salah.
He returned the ball for the Argentine to fire into the top corner. It was Salah’s 22nd assist of the season, another sign of his evolving game.
Slot has been urging his midfielders to step up in front of goal, and Szoboszlai has responded.
“If you wear the Liverpool shirt as a midfielder, you should score goals,” he said. “Not always has it been needed – sometimes they provide the assist, but today we depended on goals from them and they showed up.”
Liverpool’s energy, work rate and mentality remain at a level their rivals cannot match. The Premier League trophy is within reach, but Slot refuses to look too far ahead.
“I don’t think that way,” he said. “I forget the league table now, I forget the Premier League until the moment we’ve played Paris Saint-Germain.”
