Liverpool v Newcastle United A Liverpool Perspective
Slot has done wonders to get Liverpool into the position they are in this season, 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League heading into the run in. But, and it is a huge but, nothing has been learnt from last season or the season so far, which is a worry for the future. It was clear going into this game that the players were out on their feet, that their energy levels were bottoming out. It was also clear that this would be a game that required the players to be at their best, as Newcastle would be desperate to win.
Added to that, the lessons from the 3-3 draw against them were also not taken. Kelleher cost the team badly that day, but was chosen. Newcastle’s game plan was based around kicking anything within reach, diving whenever anyone got near them and general spoiling tactics, but nothing was done to combat those. There was no plan put in place at all to cope with it, no changes to personnel or tactics, something that is so unlike Slot. It does seem to be a blind spot with him, this aversion to fighting to win the ball, his unwillingness to put someone in there to fight back.
Then there was the lunacy of repeatedly marking Burn at corners with Mac Allister. How did no one in the team or amongst the coaching staff think to change that? Burn is a good foot taller than Mac Allister, it was comical watching him attempting to hold him off when his head was only just above Burn’s navel. Even after Burn scored, no one thought to change it. It is hard to understand how that can have happened. Slot is normally so good with those little details, but the last few games he has completely dropped the ball a few times.
It might have made no difference if he had picked different players, but it does feel like it would have. Playing Alisson would have likely meant the first goal is saved, though I feel like Kelleher should have stopped that too. The lack of bite in midfield could have been fixed simply by putting Endo in there. He would not have got bullied by Joelinton et al in there. And up front, how many more chances is Jota going to get before Slot realises (something Klopp also failed to do) that he simply is not good enough to start an important match? Nunez is not much better, but at least he contributes something other than just losing the ball. Also there is Chiesa, who Slot has been saying for months now that he needs games to get him sharp, but then refuses to even bring him on as a sub until this game. Perhaps he could have been the answer in the centre?
We will never know for sure, but what we can know for sure is that the team picked failed completely. It was bullied, it was overrun at times and it created nothing until Elliott came on. Another player who Slot has failed to give enough time to but then had to look to in the final. He has a squad of players, but has chosen to run a small number of players into the ground, rather than utilise some of the other players. It was always going to catch up on the players, as the mental demands of playing so many games in quick succession is just too much.
It did feel like Alexander-Arnold was a big miss, his creativity was badly missed. Newcastle were able to push right onto Liverpool without worrying about good quality balls in behind them. The attempts to play them resulted in merely balls high in the air for Salah to fight for, usually forcing him to battle with Burn as well. Without him, there just is not enough quality on the ball to create anything.
Newcastle United
There is not really a lot to say about Newcastle, they played the way they usually do but at their absolute best. They were excellent and fully deserved to win, as they were the better team throughout the 90 minutes. Well done the Toon, finally got a modern day trophy and no one can say they were not due a trophy. Also, it must be pointed out that Liverpool’s poor performance was in large part down to them. They controlled the game and dominated the midfield completely.
Liverpool
Kelleher – once again he failed to make the saves he should have done, when it matters. He should never have started the match, Alisson is the better keeper and you would fancy him to save at least one of Newcastle’s goals. It was Slot’s first selection error.
Quansah – another poor game. He was all over the place defensively and contributed nothing to the attack. Understandable, as he was playing out of position and is not the best at centre-back anyway, but it is hard to understand how there was no other option available. Even more difficult to understand is why he completed the full 90 minutes.
Konate – he was not at his best, clearly still struggling with the after effects of playing the full 90 minutes and extra-time midweek. His body is not used to the rigours of playing game after game, usually he was either rotated or picked up injuries in the past. It is beginning to show now, the sloppy errors and pulls returning to his game as fatigue leads to mistakes. It was the right choice to take him off.
van Dijk – as captain, you do feel he should have changed the marking and made an executive decision to have either him, Konate or Quansah mark Burn at corners. He must have realised how easy it was for Newcastle to just hit the ball towards him. Overall he was not at his best and never received any service when he went up front late on in desperation to try and rescue the result.
Robertson – offered nothing in attack and struggled defensively. The problem is that there is no real alternative in the squad right now. At least he was not a liability, he was just not the Robertson of old. The question is whether he just needs a rest or if his time is done.
Gravenberch – looks absolutely dead on his feet, he is sluggish and could do nothing against the power in the Newcastle United midfield. He was overrun defensively and needed help that he was not getting.
Szoboszlai – he had been seemingly indefatigable, covering incredible amounts of ground every game, but he finally looked leggy. He kept trying but he was unable to make any real impression on the game.
Mac Allister – last time against Newcastle, he was involved in a running battle against Bruno Guimaraes, and gave as good as got. This time out he was outmatched, though he did keep trying. Like the other two in midfield, he looked like a player in desperate need of a rest.
Salah – he has been performing minor miracles most of the season, but the last few games have seen his level dip, just when he is needed most. Is it Ramadan or just general fatigue, or possibly a bit of both? Or is it possible his age is catching up to him. Whatever the cause, he was almost non-existent in this match, though he received no service to aid him.
Jota – another in a string of dreadful performances by Jota. You have to wonder why Slot chose to start with him considering how badly he has played recently or in his entire Liverpool career. Most of his best contributions came when he was brought on as a substitute, as a starter he has very rarely offered much.
Diaz – a weak game from Diaz, his end product has often been his weakness, now his entire game is becoming a weakness. Where once he would ghost past opposition players and draw in more to create space for others, now he is just a ghost on the pitch. He offered nothing.
Nunez – replaced Jota in the 56th minute. At least he offered a little more effort, but he was also poor, though the service to him was not good either.
Jones – came on for Konate in the 56th minute. He at least attempted to take control of the midfield and offered a boost of energy, but it was not quite enough.
Gakpo – was brought on in the stead of Mac Allister in the 66th minute. He still looks unfit and really struggled to make his mark.
Elliott – replaced Gravenberch in the 73rd minute. He offered energy and, finally, some creativity through quality passing. His passing offered a ray of light in a terrible overall performance by the team.
Chiesa – he came on in the place of Diaz in the 73rd minute. He brought incisive movement and energy to the team. His performance was enough to make you wonder if he could well be a better option in the centre for the run in.
Written by Tris Burke March 20 2025 22:59:52
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