Liverpool set a Premier League record by throwing Newcastle United by seven expected goals. The Reds used “only” four substitutes, all of whom came in the second half, so needless to say it wasn’t a good performance in front of goal.
Of course, Jurgen Klopp will be pleased with his performance, as any game where the team creates a lot of chances can end in a convincing victory.
If he plays like this every week, Liverpool’s team will win the title and Manchester City will be helpless. Therefore, it would be unfair to focus too much on the negative aspects. But not every opponent can be as open as an injury-hit Newcastle side and it’s fair to say that Liverpool’s frontline will need to be more clinical going forward. Without a doubt, Darwin Nunes is the culprit of this problem. He could have put Newcastle away with one sword, but he missed a variety of opportunities, from the glaring to the gilt-edged.
The Uruguayans also got a lot of things right. His composure prevented him from scoring Liverpool’s first goal as he slotted the ball in from the six-yard box to head home Mohamed Salah. Even if mistakes happen, there’s no guarantee that anyone other than Nunes will get the first opportunity, and he still brings a lot to the table.Of course, all this relief won’t last forever.
Ultimately, Klopp has seen this problem hurt his team this season.
Liverpool attempted the same number of shots against Manchester United but had to draw 0-0 despite having far fewer chances. But the manager said something interesting after the fight ended. He praised what could be “the best return” with the current number of players. Since then there have been one or two more contenders for this distinction. If Nunez is even half the complete player Klopp needs before he becomes unfit for the game, there is another Liverpool star who fits into that category.
Rumors about Dominik Szoboszlai have died down in recent weeks as he has struggled with the ball, but his work off the ball remains impeccable.Klopp could not have created a better player in the laboratory. Soboslay applies smart, relentless pressure every time he gets on the court, keeping opponents at bay and forcing many big turnovers.
In the first weeks at the club it was all about the ball. His passes have gone the wrong way recently and he has had disappointing performances.
Had Szoboszlai not misfired and broken a counter, his xG numbers against Newcastle would have been much higher. Property just got better. The performance against Newcastle was excellent but possession was somewhat lacking. There is a sense that things could start again at any moment and take Liverpool to new heights.
Liverpool 2.0 truly arrived when Soboslay and Núñez took the final step. It will be scary for Manchester City that Klopp’s side have progressed without yet finding new heights. And the fact that Newcastle could be completely dismantled if they are barely halfway to where they need to finish is a huge warning. For your competitors.
