Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners in a thrilling match-up against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
It was a difficult start for the Reds who conceded in the first half due to a mistake from Trent Alexander-Arnold that allowed Anthony Gordon to score and two minutes later, Virgil van Dijk was sent off.
The second half was the stuff of ages for Liverpool as a brace from Darwin Núñez, who came on as a substitute, stole all three points moment before the final whistle to continue Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season.
First Half
It was an action-packed first half between Newcastle and Liverpool that almost began with the sending off of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back racked up two fouls in the first five minutes of the game as he earned himself a yellow card.
It was the England international, Trent, who then gifted Newcastle the opener through Anthony Gordon as his inability to control a pass from Mohamed Salah allowed the winger to go through on goal and net past Alisson Becker with a cool finish.
Things went from bad to worse for the away side as just two minutes later, Virgil van Dijk was sent off for bringing down Alexander Isak while through on goal.
Liverpool’s second sending-off in as many games caused them to substitute Luis Díaz to bring on Joe Gomez to replace his centre-back mate.
Second Half
It was a quiet start to the second half as both sides struggled to break each other down, even with the 10 men of Liverpool.
It wasn’t long before Jürgen Klopp made changes as he brought on Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota to bring some attacking flair to the struggling side.
With just over 10 minutes to go, 20-year-old Jarrell Quansah made his first appearance of the season as he was brought on alongside Darwin Núñez.
The Uruguayan made an instant impact as a substitute as his precise strike went past Nick Pope to equalise the game in the 81st minute.
With the game looking like it’ll end as a draw, it was Núñez again who proved to be the hero as he latched onto a pass from Mohamed Salah before netting his second of the game to claim all three points for Liverpool in a thrilling battle.
LFC Globe Verdict
This could prove to be Liverpool’s biggest win of the season considering the position they found themselves in early on in the match.
Despite the sending-off of Virgil van Dijk, the Reds remained cool and with the introduction of Núñez who may have well reignited his Liverpool career, the away side will be leaving St James’ Park with a hard-earned three points.
Man of the Match and What’s Next?
While I would have gone with a Newcastle player, Núñez’s unbelievable cameo makes sure that he will be my man of the match.
His brace makes him Liverpool’s joint-top scorer this season with Luis Díaz and he’s now put in a brilliant case to start the next game against Aston Villa next week.
Liverpool face Unai Emery’s men on Sunday, September 3rd at 14:00 (UK time) at Anfield.
Goals
Liverpool
- Darwin Núñez 81’
- Darwin Núñez 90+3’
Newcastle
- Anthony Gordon 25’
Substitutions
Liverpool
- Joe Gomez for Luis Díaz 33’
- Diogo Jota for Cody Gakpo 58’
- Harvey Elliot for Wataru Endō 58’
- Jarrell Quansah for Jöel Matip 77’
- Darwin Núñez for Alexis Mac Allister
Newcastle
- Callum Wilson for Alexander Isak 72’
- Harvey Barnes for Anthony Gordon 72’
- Sean Longstaff for Sandro Tonali 72’
- Elliot Anderson for Joelinton 82’
- Matt Targett for Sven Botman 87’
