Liverpool continued to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League with a convincing 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on February 26, 2025. The result places Liverpool 13 points clear of their nearest rivals as they march confidently toward the league title. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were enough to secure the win, showcasing Liverpool's strength both physically and mentally, as noted by manager Arne Slot.
Szoboszlai opened the scoring early on, netting the ball just 11 minutes after kickoff. Following up with Mac Allister’s skillful finish midway through the second half, Liverpool proved they are truly formidable this season. This performance not only demonstrated their dominance but also their mental toughness, as it came during their fifth match within 15 days.
"What impressed me most was this was our fifth game in 15 days and the four before weren’t the most simple ones,” Slot expressed, reflecting on the resilience his team displayed against Newcastle. The manager decided to carefully manage his squad, opting to rotate players to keep them fresh for the challenging matches to come, particularly as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite their formidable league standing, Slot emphasized the need to focus on each match as it arrives. "I forget the league table now, I forget the Premier League now until the moment we’ve played Paris Saint-Germain," he stated. This practical approach underlines his commitment to maintaining momentum without losing sight of immediate challenges.
On the other side of the pitch, Newcastle United arrived at Anfield buzzing after their thrilling 4-3 win against Nottingham Forest, with Alexander Isak leading the charge after scoring his 19th goal of the Premier League season. Nevertheless, their defensive frailties were again on display as they conceded two goals without response, which has been emblematic of their recent struggles — having let nine goals slip through their defense over their last three league outings.
Historically, Newcastle has struggled against Liverpool, failing to secure victory against the Reds over their last 16 Premier League encounters. Notably, they have not won at Anfield since 1994, which remained on the minds of both players and management alike going onto the pitch.
Although Liverpool had the momentum of the home advantage and strong recent form, Slot's changes within the starting XI also played a role. Despite some injury controversies, Liverpool fielded nearly their full-strength team, with Cody Gakpo back from injury but initially starting from the bench. Meanwhile, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe dealt with doubts about player availability, yet remained optimistic, hinting at potential return of key players for the upcoming EFL Cup final clash against Liverpool next month.
Discussing the match’s dynamics, Tim Sherwood, former Premier League manager, brought attention to Harvey Elliott’s frustrations. After being left out of the match against Newcastle, Elliott was reportedly visibly upset about his lack of game time. Sherwood suggested this might prompt the young midfielder to seek opportunities elsewhere should his situation not improve.
"He’s made five subs there tonight, and still no Harvey Elliott and you know, he’s not happy. He sat there and his face was so angry and annoyed," Sherwood remarked. Such emotions indicate the fierce competitiveness within the squad and Elliott’s ambitions to make his mark.
Looking at future fixtures, Liverpool's upcoming games put them squarely as favorites to maintain their formidable run, expected to rely on players like Salah, Szoboszlai, and Mac Allister as they pursue more titles. Meanwhile, Newcastle will need to address its defensive issues quickly if they hope to present any threat during their next encounter with Liverpool.
Overall, this match serves as another statement of intent from Liverpool and raises several questions about Newcastle’s readiness as they look to reclaim form. With Liverpool on track for potential glory this season, the focus for both teams takes on even greater importance as the title race heats up.