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Liverpool endured a frustrating night in the Premier League, dropping points for the first time since their late October clash at the Emirates. A gruelling schedule since the international break had clearly taken its toll, as Liverpool’s fatigue was laid bare at St James’ Park. Despite twice fighting back to take the lead, the Reds surrendered two points in a 3-3 draw that felt more like a defeat for a side chasing the title.
This was one of those evenings where personal commitments made watching the game a logistical exercise. I found myself parked in the rain, my dog in the boot, the iPad perched precariously on the steering wheel, Bluetooth speakers blaring out commentary. The sight of a car vibrating to the sound of Salah’s third goal might well have given passers-by cause for concern—though my ecstatic yell, when it momentarily seemed to be the winner, would’ve left no doubt about the cause of the commotion.
Credit for the tactical visuals used here goes to Mark Matrai and xfb Analytics.
Load Management Disrupts Liverpool’s Rhythm
Injuries and rotation were key themes of Liverpool’s line-up. With Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench for load management, 20-year-old Jarell Quansah found himself deployed at right-back, a position he had never started in before. Darwin Núñez replaced Luis Díaz in attack, while Curtis Jones’ inclusion shifted Dominik Szoboszlai to the bench.
Quansah’s role was an experiment, and in possession, he drifted centrally to isolate Mohamed Salah against Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. While innovative, this tactic exposed Quansah’s limitations on the ball in crowded areas. Liverpool lacked fluency in their build-up, and Newcastle’s forwards capitalised on the vulnerability.
By the second half, the experiment was abandoned. Alexander-Arnold replaced Joe Gomez, with Quansah moving inside. Curtis Jones, tasked with the unfamiliar role of lone defensive midfielder, struggled to adapt. With Ryan Gravenberch also substituted, the midfield lacked bite, and Newcastle’s attackers gleefully exploited the gaps.
Newcastle Exposes Liverpool’s Left Flank
Newcastle’s tactical plan was incisive and effective. Their Expected Threat (xT) heatmap highlights how much of their danger came from the left half-space, where Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak targeted Liverpool’s defensive frailties. Gordon, in particular, gave Liverpool a torrid time, forcing constant adjustments from Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
This vulnerability was exacerbated by Quansah’s struggles, with Robertson forced into covering roles that left Newcastle attackers arriving in space unmarked. As the tactical image reveals, Murphy’s runs consistently pulled Robertson out of position, while Newcastle’s midfielders flooded the second wave.
Bruno Guimarães was the standout performer for Newcastle, topping the ball recoveries chart for both sides. Alongside Hall, who handled Salah admirably for much of the game, Guimarães was the driving force behind Newcastle’s tactical discipline. England manager Gareth Southgate may have been taking notes on Hall, who offered glimpses of a long-term solution to their left-back conundrum.
Alexander-Arnold’s Impact and Liverpool’s Fatigue
Liverpool’s xT heatmap mirrored Newcastle’s in many ways, but there was a distinct difference in execution. While Salah and Alexander-Arnold linked up in flashes, their time together on the pitch was limited. The right-back’s return after an extended absence was a reminder of his creative capabilities; his contributions in just over 30 minutes underlined his importance to Liverpool’s attack.
As always, Alexander-Arnold was pivotal in progressive passing. The list of xT created by passing shows him outperforming his teammates in his brief stint. His assist for Salah’s second goal brought his career Premier League tally to 60—a reminder of his attacking brilliance. Liverpool must find a way to balance his workload; his absence leaves too much creative responsibility on Salah’s shoulders.
Yet Liverpool’s fatigue told. The combined ball recoveries chart revealed how Newcastle’s midfield overwhelmed their Liverpool counterparts. Bruno Guimarães dominated this metric, while Jones, Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo found themselves outmanoeuvred time and again. Kelleher’s late mistake compounded the Reds’ misery, gifting Newcastle their equaliser.
What Lies Ahead for Liverpool
Salah’s clinical finishing offered a glimmer of hope, but even he looked worn down by the relentless schedule. As I sat in my rain-lashed car, walking the dog during half-time to the backdrop of wind and puddles, I couldn’t help but empathise with the team’s plight. The Premier League winter slog is unforgiving, and Liverpool’s depth is being tested to its limits.
Saturday’s early kick-off against Everton looms large, with Alexis Mac Allister suspended. Dominik Szoboszlai will likely return to the starting XI alongside Jones and Gravenberch in midfield. Whether Alexander-Arnold starts remains uncertain, but if he cannot, Quansah’s suitability as a makeshift right-back must be reconsidered.
Beyond Everton, Liverpool’s schedule offers brief respite, with matches against Girona and Southampton providing opportunities for rotation. Arsenal’s visit later in the month, however, will demand the full strength of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
This was a match of lessons—tactical, physical, and mental. Liverpool’s resilience was commendable, but the signs of strain are impossible to ignore. As my car steamed up and the sound of Salah’s second-half equaliser echoed through Bluetooth speakers, I couldn’t help but hope that Liverpool’s struggles in the North East would ultimately prove to be a valuable stepping stone in their title pursuit.
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