18 February 2023 , 19:24
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Liverpool ended their run of away defeats with victory over 10-man Newcastle at St James' Park, with Darwin Nunez scoring his first league goal since before the World Cup.
Nunez needed just 10 minutes to open the scoring, finding a huge gap in the Newcastle back-line to collect a Trent Alexander-Arnold ball and rifle home. Within 20 minutes it was two, with Cody Gakpo scoring in a second successive game, and things got worse for Newcastle when Nick Pope was shown a straight red card for handling outside the area.
The second half was a little nervier than the visitors might have liked, with Newcastle seeing plenty of the ball but failing to find a reply. The victory leaves Jurgen Klopp's side just six points behind Eddie Howe's men with a game in hand, though, and they will feel they now have a sniff of a top four finish once more.
After Monday's Merseyside derby victory over Everton, Jurgen Klopp's team knew victory on the road could take them within three points of their opponents in fourth. The manager made just one change to his team, with Virgil van Dijk returning to the starting XI after injury.
Both sides threatened early on, with Allan Saint-Maximin causing problems for the Reds defence, but the visitors were the more clinical of the two sides. Once the hosts were reduced to 10 men, there was no way back, though there were still half-chances for Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak.
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1. Nunez ends his wait
Can Liverpool climb back into the top four? Have your say in the comments section
Darwin Nunez scored his first league goal since November (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Ahead of the World Cup, Darwin Nunez appeared to have found some form in front of goal. The break - and a dismal tournament for Uruguay - dented his momentum and it has taken him some time to get back up to speed.
It hasn't been for want of trying, with the former Benfica man taking plenty of shots but failing to find that killer instinct in the league. His confidence appears unaffected, too, and we saw the finish of a supremely self-assured striker to break the deadlock.
With half an hour remaining, Liverpool's summer signing made way in a quadruple change. One imagines the substitution was made with the midweek Champions League game against Real Madrid in mind, though fans may be concerned after seeing him holding his shoulder on the way off.
2. Gakpo feasting
Cody Gakpo's first-half goal was his second in as many games (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)That's the thing about goals from January signings. You wait ages for one, and then two come along in a week.
It looked as though a real weight had been lifted off Cody Gakpo's shoulders when he netted against Liverpool. When the Dutchman was presented with another opportunity from a Mohamed Salah pass, he finished like a man who doesn't have to think too hard about finding the back of the net.
Gakpo scored 34 goals in his last 18 months as a PSV Eindhoven player before moving to Anfield. If Klopp's team can get him firing with any kind of consistency, their top four dream might not be over.
3. Pope's nightmare
Nick Pope will miss the Carabao Cup final after his red card (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Nick Pope demonstrated early on that he was prepared to act as a sweeper-keeper, coming yards out of his area to make a headed interception. It's a high-risk game, though, as the Newcastle goalkeeper found out to his peril.
The England international realised he had to intervene as a long clearance from opposite number Alisson set Salah free. However, the level of misjudgement became clear instantly, and the handball which brought his red card looked more instinctive than anything.
It's the worst possible time for Newcastle to be without Pope. He will now miss the Carabao Cup final through suspension, and - with Martin Dubravka cup-tied - it could mean a Magpies debut for Loris Karius at Wembley.
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4. Applause for Atsu
Players from both teams paid their respects to Christian Atsu before kick-off (PA)A minute's applause was held for Christian Atsu before kick-off at St James' Park. The Ghanaian international, who spent several years with Newcastle, lost his life in the earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria earlier in the month.
"It's a very sad day for Newcastle and for all the players as well, because most of the players know him well," Atsu's former Newcastle team-mate Allan Saint-Maximin told Sky Sports before the game. "He was a great guy. I had many conversations with him and had a very nice time with him, so to see [the news] is very painful.
"Some things are still at the moment difficult to talk about for me. But for sure I will never forget that guy and I will fight for him.
Saint-Maximin spent two seasons with Atsu in the north-east and played like a man determined to leave an impression after the death of his friend. The French winger saw plenty of the ball in the early stages, seeing plenty of the ball, and drew a crucial save from Alisson even after his team had gone a man down.
5. Reds return at ideal time
Virgil van Dijk made a welcome return (Getty Images)After three straight away league defeats, with nine goals conceded, defensive reinforcements were urgently needed by Liverpool. The sight of Virgil van Dijk on the bench against Everton was a welcome one, and his presence in the starting line-up at St James' Park was even more welcome.
The centre-back isn't the only one working his way back from injury. Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino haven't started since before the World Cup, but both continued their comebacks with half-hour run-outs on Saturday.
Klopp's men have narrowed the gap to the top four, but there are still a number of teams in contention and there's little margin for error. The manager will hope sloppy play at both ends after the break - including Jota missing a late sitter - were just a case of players getting the rust out of their system.