Struggling Newcastle United has claimed a surprise 2-0 victory over Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday.
From the outset, Steve McClaren’s men had a simple game plan – frustrate Liverpool and hope to hit them on the counter-attack. An early goal for the Reds could have easily opened the floodgates, but a compact Newcastle defence meant that the only significant event of the first half was when Christian Benteke missed a relatively simple chance from eight yards out.
The Magpies grew in confidence after the interval, and were rewarded on 69 minutes when a miss-hit shot from Georginio Wijnaldum deflected off Martin Skrtel into the back of the net.
Naturally, Liverpool then started to have more of the play before a controversial decision from the linesman prevented them from drawing level. James Milner sent in a cross which found Alberto Moreno at the back post and the Spaniard scored a fine volley only to be denied by the offside flag. Replays however suggested that the left-back was clearly onside.
The Toon made sure of the points in injury time when a lovely through ball from Moussa Sissoko found Wijnaldum, and the Dutchman calmly stroked the ball past Simon Mignolet, sending St James’ Park into raptures.
Formations
Newcastle made only one change from the side that lost to Crystal Palace, with Ayoze Perez replaced by Siem De Jong. This meant a formation reshuffle with the Dutchman playing just behind Papiss Cisse in the number 10 role. Otherwise it was as you were, with Rob Elliot protected by two banks of four with Daryl Janmaat, Chancel Mbemba, Fabrizio Coloccini and Paul Dummett across the back, and Sissoko, Vurnon Anita, Jack Colback and Wijnaldum in the midfield.
Liverpool made two changes from the side that beat Swansea last weekend, with Emre Can and Adam Lallana making way for Lucas and Joe Allen respectively. Those two were joined in a three-man midfield by Milner, who supported the attacking trio of Jordon Ibe, Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino. The usual back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Moreno played in front of Simon Mignolet.
Not a normal game of football
Even the dullest football games have their fair share of shots on target. Throughout this match, chances were few and far between to say the least, and the first of two shots on target came in the 89th minute when a tame header from Lovren found Rob Elliot. The only other shot on goal was the injury time strike from Wijnaldum which sealed the points. Two goals from one shot on target is impressive for the Magpies, but what will be more impressive from their point of view is the fact that they severely restricted Liverpool and ultimately got a clean sheet.
Can’s presence missed by Liverpool
Liverpool have made a drastic improvement under Jurgen Klopp and one of the reasons behind this has been the impact of Emre Can. The German has been vital in linking the defence and attack – something which could have caused the Newcastle defence all sorts of trouble. The midfielder was suspended today and his replacement Allen struggled to stamp his authority on the match, with Jack Colback seeming to get the better of him time after time. It is perhaps a key reason why the Reds gave Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot little to worry about.
Wijnaldum stands tall
There seems to be a common theme appearing this season. When Newcastle win, Wijnaldum has a good game and today was no exception. Playing in an unnatural position on the left-wing, Wijnaldum had a tendency to drift infield as often as possible towards his more favourable central position. It was here where we saw just how damaging he can be. His ball control, calmness under pressure and intimidating dribbling gave Liverpool problems all match. The Dutchman had a key role in both goals, scoring one as well as taking the shot which led to Skrtel’s own goal. Of his four attempted take-ons, the midfielder completed three of them – an indication of a player who fancied himself in individual duals which is always an encouraging sign for a manager to see.
Benteke has a quiet afternoon
Belgian international Benteke would have been relishing the opportunity to face a Newcastle defence that had leaked eight goals in its previous two outings. However it was not to be for Benteke, with his only meaningful contribution being a missed shot from close range in the first half. The striker seemed isolated too often and was replaced by Daniel Sturridge on the hour mark.
Conclusion
Not many people would have seen this result coming. Both teams were on entirely different ends of the spectrum as far as morale goes heading into this one, with a Liverpool win seeming inevitable. Newcastle’s game plan of frustrating Liverpool early on and then going on to hit them on the counter worked to perfection and no one will be more pleased with this than McClaren, who has now surely bought himself more time.
For Newcastle the question is: Where has this performance been? and more importantly – can they build on this? All of a sudden, they are now two points off Chelsea in 14th and could use this result as a platform for the rest of their season. For Liverpool it is a rude awakening that there are no certainties in this league, especially when you come up against Newcastle at St James’ Park which is starting to become one of the Reds’ least favourite grounds in the country to visit.
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