Our Liverpool jury have their say on the result in Newcastle and the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to seven points this week after the Reds dropped two points in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday night. And the Reds face another difficult away match on Saturday when they meet Everton in the early kick off.
It could be the last ever meeting between the two sides at Goodison Park and Liverpool will want to avoid allowing Arsenal to claw back any more points on them at the summit of the Premier League table.
Here's what our Liverpool jury have to say about the week that was:
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Rhys Buchanan (Aigburth, @Rhys_Buchanan) - All about Mo
Once again Wednesday night was all about Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian King pretty much single-handedly dragged us through with a point against Newcastle and very nearly won us a game when we were miles from our best.
He’s been the game-changer for the Reds so many times this season but most crucially he delivers when we’re up against it, often out of nowhere.
I think after that performance he has to be looking around at his team mates and wanting more from the likes of Nunez who had another disappointing night in front of goal.
Heading into the weekend, we’re going to have to pick ourselves back up fast, but you can count on Salah to be in the front three once again, a man who seems hellbent on winning the league come May, he will be bang up for the Derby.
There’s no room for emotion or romance around the last Goodison Derby, we’ve got a job to do.
James Noble (Worcestershire, @james_noble98) - Trent the impact player needed for derby
One of the primary positives from Wednesday night’s eventful Tyneside draw was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impact, featuring two assists, from the bench. The vice-captain looks to have returned from injury well, having also played that raking pass to Mohamed Salah prior to Cody Gakpo’s opener against Manchester City.
The 26-year-old arguably ought to have covered behind Caoimhin Kelleher to prevent Fabian Schar’s late leveller, but the No.66’s contributions were certainly a net positive for the Reds on the night. It is also worth emphasising how strong most of his defensive work was against City and has been so far this season.
While it was initially surprising to see him named as a substitute at St. James’ Park, Arne Slot’s decision made long-term sense, given the schedule. Alexander-Arnold’s subsequent impact only served to justify it further. The range of his technical excellence was again highlighted by the precision and weight of the two deliveries that Salah so expertly converted. Contract thoughts are rarely far from our minds in these moments, of course.
Such unique traits could again prove invaluable on Saturday lunchtime. The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park may take several shapes as it progresses. Against an aggressive press, upon a turnover, or facing a low block, the Scouser has the potential to deliver a game-changing piece of quality.
Andrew Cullen (Widnes, @brothersred5) - Don't forget Kelleher heroics
It felt like a bold ask to go to St James’ Park and pick up another three points after expending significant energy reserves to comprehensively dismantle two of the most impressive teams in Europe.
It was a flat first half showing against Newcastle. The midfield was not as sharp and the defence looked soft. The right side was exploited with ease. Though, Liverpool’s drive and determination was evident throughout the second half, as we fought back twice, only to agonisingly commit what felt like an own goal.
Kelleher has rightly been applauded this year for his composure in goal, but the momentary lapse of concentration for Newcastle’s equaliser felt like a big error.
There will be some calling for him to be replaced as soon as Alisson returns, and there will be some fans who land upon this error as being the reason why Kelleher will never be first choice. That is unfair. Alisson while usually breathtaking in goal, also has moments of breathtaking silliness. Top keepers make big mistakes. We shouldn’t forget that Kelleher has made some big saves recently, and those performances should not be erased on account of one error, however big it may feel.
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Most fans would have been content with four points from the Newcastle and Everton fixtures, given our recent feats domestically and in Europe.
The draw against Newcastle cranks up the pressure dial to some extent because a win against Everton smooths out the Newcastle wrinkle. With a lunch time kick off, and with this fixture being Everton’s biggest game of the season, it feels like another stern test for Slot’s Liverpool.