Liverpool trail 1-0 at half-time at St James’ Park, but the Reds have plenty of reasons to believe they can turn this game around.
Newcastle took the lead after just five minutes, with Anthony Elanga finishing to give the hosts the perfect start.
Since then, Liverpool have largely controlled the game.
Elanga strikes after five minutes
Liverpool couldn’t have asked for a worse start.
Just five minutes into the opening game of the Premier League season, Anthony Elanga put Newcastle ahead, sending St James’ Park into a frenzy.
The early goal gave Newcastle exactly what they wanted and allowed them to sit back and look to hit Liverpool on the counter.
But the Reds haven’t panicked.
Liverpool dominate possession
Despite falling behind so early, Liverpool have continued to play their football.
The Reds have enjoyed the majority of possession and have spent long periods camped inside Newcastle’s half.
The problem has been turning that dominance into clear-cut chances.
Liverpool have moved the ball well but haven’t quite found the final pass or finish needed to beat Newcastle’s defence.
Wirtz comes closest
Liverpool’s best opportunity came through Florian Wirtz.
The German produced an excellent effort that looked destined to find the net, only for the Newcastle goalkeeper to make a brilliant save.
It was a huge moment.
Had that gone in, Liverpool would probably feel they deserved to go into the break level.
Isak yet to make his mark
Alexander Isak’s return to St James’ Park hasn’t quite gone to plan so far.
The Swedish striker hasn’t had many opportunities to influence the game, with Newcastle doing a good job of limiting the service into him.
That’s something Liverpool need to change after the break.
If they can get Isak involved more regularly, Newcastle’s defence could have a very different second half to deal with.
Iraola has plenty to work with
The encouraging thing for Liverpool is that they haven’t been overrun.
Quite the opposite.
They’ve dominated possession and dictated much of the tempo since conceding.
Iraola will simply want more threat in the final third.
Liverpool need to be quicker around the Newcastle box and make their possession count.
Still all to play for
The scoreline says Newcastle are ahead.
The performance suggests Liverpool are still very much in this game.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool.
Elanga’s fifth-minute goal separates the sides, but Liverpool have another 45 minutes to find a way back.
And if that Wirtz effort was anything to go by, the equaliser could be coming.
Come on Liverpool!
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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