Liverpool fell behind early as they were caught out on the counterattack within five minutes. Anthony Elanga caught Milos Kerkez out of position and paid off the chance for a 1-0 Magpie lead. The Reds earned a corner and a free kick in the 8th minute, but both were cleared. Wirtz nearly made up for it with a shot on goal in the 18th minute, but the chance was saved.
Liverpool began to dominate possession, but could not do much with it. Newcastle set back in a low block with the lead and invited pressure, but shots from Kerkez and Gakpo were blocked. Later in the half, both Liverpool fullbacks picked up yellow cards, making the Reds even more vulnerable in the back. Liverpool kept the pressure on with a pair of corners in the 40th minute, but they could not break through, trailing 1-0 at the half.
Score: 1-0
- Possession: New 45/55
- Shots: 1-2
- Key Battle: Anthony Elanga vs. Wirtz
LFC Globe Verdict
Liverpool ranked 13th defensively last season, and things don’t seem to have improved. The game has gotten chippy with four cards in the first half, so Liverpool needs to keep its head to stay in the game.
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