Liverpool fell behind to an early goal from Anthony Elanga as Newcastle got their season off to a flying start and Gary Neville criticised three Reds over the incident
Gary Neville was not impressed with the Liverpool trio
Gary Neville was not impressed with the Liverpool trio
Andoni Iraola's first competitive game in charge of Liverpool got off to a nightmare start as Newcastle raced into an early lead.
The Reds took on Newcastle in their Premier League opener on Sunday in what was also a first game in charge for Toon boss Matthias Jaissle.
Both new bosses would have been eager for a fast start and it was the home side who got it thanks to Anthony Elanga, who raced on to a pass from William Osula. The Swedish winger left Milos Kerkez for dead and made no mistake as he fired his shot into the far corner beyond Alisson.
Gary Neville was on Sky Sports commentary for the game and was quick to question the positioning of the Liverpool No.1.
"Alisson might be a little close to that near post and it leaves a gaping hole for Elanga to find. That gap is far too big," Neville said.
"Newcastle's best form of defense is attack and it turns into a sprint between Kerkez and Elanga. Liverpool can't catch him and he has to find the finish and he does."
Neville also suggested Virgil van Dijk and new defensive partner Jeremy Jacquet could have done more to stop Osula in the build up.
"You would expect Van Dijk and Jacquet to go with Osula but they let him drop in and turn," he added.
Anthony Elanga of Newcastle United scores his team’s first goal
Anthony Elanga of Newcastle United scores his team’s first goal
"They don't push in. They are 15-20 yards deep of where they should be. You see Arsenal's defenders do it to perfection.
Jacquet was given the nod over fellow new boy Ronald Araujo, with Iraola explaining his decision as he spoke before the game.
Iraola said: "It was a difficult call. Both of them played well in the last friendly Jeremy is comfortable with and without the ball.
"Playing against Osula and Wissa, who are good players, will not be easy. We have Ronald ready to go if we need him."
Liverpool had started brightly at St James' Park with opportunities arising for Van Dijk and Cody Gakpo but they couldn't take them as the home side went ahead.