Newcastle United 2-3 Liverpool
The Premier League title race is going to go down to the very last day of the season. Liverpool made sure of that as they snatched a dramatic win at Newcastle.
Rafa Benitez’s side was well-positioned to wreck his former side’s title hopes — and they very nearly did. But Divock Origi, who came on for the injured Mohamed Salah, was the hero as his late strike gave the Reds the 3-2 victory.
The Premier League 2019 odds still favour Manchester City to win the title as they simply need to win their remaining two matches of the season. But thanks to the Reds’ remarkable resilience, SBOBET Premier League fans will get to enjoy a dramatic final day of the season next week.
Highlights of the game
Liverpool knew only a win would do at Newcastle, and they predictably began on the front foot. Mohamed Salah was on the end of a couple of half-chances within the first dozen minutes of the match.
But on the ensuing corner from one of Salah’s blocked attempts, Liverpool got the breakthrough. PFA Player of The Year Virgil van Dijk found himself in acres of space inside the penalty area and made no mistake as he headed his free header past Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka.
However, Liverpool’s lead was short-lived as the hosts struck back in the 20th minute through Christian Atsu. Matt Ritchie met Javier Manquillo’s cross and squared it to the path of Salomon Rondon. The Venezuelan’s strike was cleared off the line by Trent Alexander-Arnold — seemingly using his arm — but Atsu was on hand to slot home the rebound.
The goal certainly helped gee the Geordies up as they went in search of the lead. Ayoze Perez, who passed fit after a recent injury scare, came close to putting the hosts in front, but his strike unluckily thumped off the bar. Then, Ki Sung-yueng’s follow-up effort was straight at Alisson.
But while Newcastle were unable to grab their chance to take the lead, Liverpool were. Alexander-Arnold delivered a dangerous cross into the area, and Salah met it with a deft right-footed volley that went beyond the reach of the outstretched Dubravka.
Salah nearly turned provider for another Liverpool goal as he and Sadio Mane combined on the break. Salah sent Mane through with a perfectly weighted through ball, but the Senegalese star sent his shot straight at the Newcastle keeper, who stood up well.
Rondon had a decent chance to pull Newcastle level in the second half, but Alisson was more than equal to his shot on the turn. Just seconds later, Liverpool’s own No. 9 — Daniel Sturridge — had his chance on goal, but he blazed his effort way over.
But Rondon proved to be much more clinical with next chance on 54 minutes. The ball found its way to Rondon after a corner, and the Newcastle striker unleashed a thumping strike which gave Alisson absolutely no chance.
Things went bad to worse for Liverpool as Salah suffered a head injury after he collided with an on-rushing Dubravka. The Liverpool star had to be stretchered off, putting his availability for the second leg against Barcelona in serious doubt.
Divock Origi was sent on in Salah’s place to look for a vital winning goal, and the Belgian delivered with another entry into the top Premier League 2019 highlights. From a Xherdan Shaqiri free kick, Origi rose highest to head the ball home — and keep Liverpool’s Premier League dream alive for one more week.
Key statistics
Mohamed Salah’s goal was his 22nd Premier League goal of the season, putting him two clear of team-mate Sadio Mane and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero for the league lead. It was also Salah’s 100th goal in European top-flight football, with 56 coming in the Premier League.
Liverpool are the first team in Premier League history to have at least two defenders with 10 or more assists each in a single season. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson currently have 11 assists apiece.
Liverpool also added to their lead in terms of most headed goals (18) and goals from substitutes (12) among Premier League teams this season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle suffered just their second home defeat in their last eight games at St. James’ Park.
What’s next?
Liverpool will still have a chance of winning the Premier League when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on the final day of the season. However, they will still need Man City to drop points in at least one of their two remaining matches.
But before all of that, Liverpool still have to host Barcelona at Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final in midweek. The Reds face an uphill battle to reach a second straight final after going down 3-0 in the first leg.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will end their season at relegated Fulham, who have only pride left to play for.
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