LIVE: Second Half – Liverpool 1 v 0 Newcastle United: Gamethread
Shelvey #Shelvey
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Second Half
14:12: Almiron down with cramp as the lads get a deserved water break in. Almiron ran himself into the ground and is replaced.
Substitution: Almiron off, Gayle joins Wilson up top now with ASM dropping deeper.
14:11: Super ball from Ritchie. Better as he hits it first time to free Wilson behind the Liverpool back four, but he’s unable to get away from Kabak and it fizzles to nothing. Newcastle playing positively again.
14:09: Another save from Dubravka. A save he should make as Mane narrows the angle as he takes a touch but gets a good shot away. Liverpool get a corner and the ball comes out to Milner on the edge of the box who hits a good volley through the crowd and is well saved again by Dubz. He’s on for a performance almost as good as Darlow’s in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
14:07: Obviously you’re not going anywhere during the game, but be sure to check out all the latest CHN content on the page after this, including the Weekly Review, looking at how the Womens, U23s and U18s got on in a busy last week for the Toon.
14:06: Wilson being caught offside an awful lot. He’s frustrated at the latest ball forward saying it needs to come earlier. That or hold the run a little longer. I’m fine either way.
14:05: Substitution: Thiago off, Curtis Jones – fantastic little footballer imo, on in CM.
14:04: Corner comes out to Thiago who tees up TAA who hits a sweet volley, but it thankfully flies past Dubravka’s top right post. That fizzed.
14:03: Decent position free-kick for Liverpool about 30 yards out. TAA eyeing up Dubravka’s goal. Flicks off the top of the wall for a corner.
14:02: Newcastle doing everything they can to give Newcastle another goal. Longstaff in the wrong this time, Liverpool four on three. Salah loads of space but drags another shot wide.
14:01: Fernandez down, appears to be holding his hamstring after attempting to tackle Mane. Back on his feet, but looks uncomfortable.
13:59: After lengthy spells on the sideline through injury, does Wilson have enough time to make a last-minute claim for an England spot at Euro 2021? Check back next week to find out what I why I think he could be a good fit, but what he needs to do to get in Southgate’s squad.
13:58: Wilson getting involved more now. Positive run and he’s almost in behind but is called back for offside. Much better going forward from Newcastle now.
13:57: Good break for Newcastle. Wilson the outlet who holds the ball up well. He finds some support in Ritchie on the right, but he holds on to the ball too long and can’t find a black and white shirt in the middle.
13:55: Wilson gets to test out that injury after sprinting the length of the pitch to chase a cleared corner that Liverpool won after a failed through ball from TAA. Appears Shelvey has dropped into the back-line with Willock taking his spot in midfield.
13:53: Substitution: Ciaran Clark makes way in an attacking move as Joe Willock comes on to make a midfield three.
13:52: Robertson steals the ball off of Almiron and has a shot that flashes across the front of goal and past Dubravka’s right post.
13:50: Dubravka almost makes huge error. Unable to control a backpass and Mane closes him down and is fortunate that the ball goes off for a goal kick.
13:49: Substitution: Joelinton’s day is done, on come Wilson.
13:48: Saint-Maximin takes another hefty blow, looks ok to continue but obviously playing through the pain.
13:46 Substitute – Jota off, ex-Magpie and all-round good guy, James Milner on.
13:45: Good save from Dubz! Ball over the top finds it way to Firmino who hits a strong volley on goal, but Dubz sticks a strong left leg out to make the save.
13:44: Half-Hearted penalty appeal as TAA barges Joelinton from behind after the ball played across. On second watch that was quite a good shout, TAA looks away from the ball and just body-checks Joelinton.
13:41: The game picking up from where it left off, fairly end to end, without real composure in the attacking third.
13:40: Well we were, but I suffered technical difficulties. AMATEUR HOUR! Nothing much had happened though.
13:34: We’re back under way!
Half Time
Newcastle conceded within 3 minutes to a fine bit of individual skill from Mo Salah, but have been helped by the hosts spurning a huge amount of chances in front of goal, together with some brave, confident keeping from Dubravka.
More composure needed getting forward, better choices needed and some help in front of the defence would be great. But, Liverpool have looked shaky at the back. Saint-Maximin has caused troubles the entire game and has looked really sharp. I’d like to see him get at Kabak (on a yellow) a little more too.
First Half
13:18: And that kick is the end of the first half. End to end, Liverpool by far the dominant force with so many chances. But they didn’t make them count!
13:17: Robertson with the first time ball in this time, well dealt with by Newcastle. Dubravka takes his time with the goal kick.
Stat. Total Passes Liverpool 410 – 144 Newcastle.
13:16: Two minutes added time.
13:14: Another good chance for Liverpool. TAA with another first time ball (Southgate you watching?) and Mane has a tough chance that he connects with well but puts wide to the right of the goal.
13:13: Shelvey sends a through ball behind Longstaff after he begins to run forward. Poor.
13:10: Liverpool mess up two one-on-ones in one attack. First Salah who should have shot, squares it, Mane takes a touch too many, Dubravka out well again. He’s looked sharp. Really sharp!
13:09: Great footwork by Jota to find half a yard in the Newcastle area but again scuffs the shot. Newcastle getting fortunate.
But they break well, the ball finds Ritchie who puts a great ball in towards ASM but it’s cleanly claimed by Allison who does well.
13:08: Liverpool break again. Thiago with an insane ball to free Mane, but again they’re poor in front of goal. Thankfully.
13:07: HUGE SAVE. Newcastle again make the mistake. Firmino plays a fantastic ball in, Salah one-on-one, Dubravka stays big and smoothers the shot for a huge save.
13:04: Newcastle staying strong defensively, keeping their shape well and interecepting well. Newcastle break on the counter, ASM again bringing the ball up well. He finds Joelinton who tries to release Longstaff on another huge run from DM, but its cut out well by the retreating Liverpool defence.
13:02: After saying fantastic watch, not too much happened. Just enough time to get some food down me. Anyway…Newcastle aiming at Joelinton a lot as an outlet to relieve the pressure from those in red. Ritchie overeager on Salah gives Liverpool a free-kick on the half-way line.
12:59: Newcastle making a complete hash of it at the back. Clark loses it in the middle of the box! Salah lays off Jota who scuffs a shot wide. HUGE let off.
12:58: This is a fantastic watch. If you’re a neutral, proper end to end football.
12:57: Newcastle have a great chance! Miggy wins the ball and feeds ASM, Miggy and Big Joe break forward but get in each others way?! Unbelievable…
12:55: Nothing seemingly from VAR there, where Liverpool took one too many touches and in doing so Newcastle got players back. It was intercepted by a man in Black and White, definitely hit the arm but it was not clear and obvious.
12:55: Potential handball pen to Liverpool…
12:54: Another ball swung in by TAA, Mane chases it down as it flies long, gets a cute ball back in to Jota who shins his chance straight at Dubravka.
12:53: Chance for Liverpool. Salah feeds in Jota who swings and shoots first time, high & wide!
12:52: Real battle between Salah and Saint-Maxmin here. Both players fantastic going forward, but seemingly man-marking each other!
12:51: Newcastle have the ball in the back of the net! Disallowed for offside. The corner was swung in and header was won but Newcastle had 3 players offside – as well as a potential foul on Allison.
12:50: Newcastle cut Liverpool open! Unfortunately for the Magpies, it was Longstaff who was through in on goal who struggled with the first touch, but still got a good shot in and a great save from Allison for a corner.
12:49: Saint-Maximin looks up for this. He spins away from Salah and gets another dangerous ball into the box. Where is that proper centre-forward you need playing with him?!
12:48: Kabak with another foul on Saint-Maximin. Long ball played up, Joelinton wins the first and ASM takes the contact as Kabak comes through the back to win the header.
12:45: Murphy slots ASM through in on goal but he decides to try and find Joelinton but cut out by Liverpool. Didn’t matter anyway at ASM was offside.
12:44: Toon growing into the game. Murphy gets to the byline and puts a good ball into a dangerous area but noone there.
12:43: Trent Alexander-Arnold with a lovely give & go and first time ball towards Mane. Dubravka came out well but flagged for offside.
12:42: Newcastle try getting their foot on the ball, playing it around at the back but closed down by Mane. Beginning to push further up the pitch which is good to see.
12:40: BOOKING: Ozan Kabak – Yellow Card.
Saint-Maximin bursting on the counter at half way cynically swiped out by Kabak for a definite yellow. ASM down hobbling again. Wrap that man in cotton wool!!!
12:39: Liverpool keeping the ball at the back, Newcastle intercept but just hoof the ball up field. Looks like Newcastle playing 5-4-1 with Saint-Maximin up top.
12:37: Watching the Salah goal back, it was an incredible finish. Great touch and finish on his left foot. He’s now 1 shy of Kane in the PL Golden Boot.
12:36: Saint-Maximin makes the first nuisance of himself, weaving into the box and winning a corner. Came to nothing.
12:35: GOAL: Mo Salah. 3 mins.
Ball over the top not dealt with by the defence. Mane with the cross into the box, Salah takes a brilliant first touch – Ritchie with no idea – he then smashes it in. No chance for Dubravka.
12:34: Murphy breaks forward and almost gets on the end of a long through ball behind the Liverpool back line, picked up by Allison.
12:33: Liverpool with much of the early ball, Newcastle sitting back in more of a five at the back than midfield.
12:32: Commentator Bingo – already heard this will essentially be Attack vs Defence. Would love a 5-0 Newcastle win here…
12:31: Liverpool get the game underway!
12:30: All players take a knee in a show of solidarity to show there is No Room For Racism.
Pre-Match Amble
12:29: Going in to this game with a sense of hope though! A few huge performances in a row for Newcastle, the side have really bunkered down and shown passion and pride and have been rewarded for it!
Huge game for the Toon here, all three points will provide a real sense of safety, HWTL!
12:22: Think it’s fair to say that pre-game tactics goes to Klopp * SHOCK * as he goes with FOUR forwards against Bruce’s counter-attacking set-up with five at the back.
Anyone else looking forward to being pegged in for 90 minutes?
12:18: Michael Owen and John Barnes the ex-pros, on Dazn’s coverage. Assumingly Owen as the “Newcastle” side who has literally just been spouting about how “we” need to get into the top 4 today. Glad the media bias isn’t real…
12:16: Some fans?! Pretty sure everyone wanted to see Willock and Wilson in the side. Wilson will be shrugged off as not fit, but Willock? Hopefully he’s not thinking he’d be better off back at Arsenal!
12:12: Everton’s first win in 25 years at Arsenal last night got the PL Gameweek off to a start, as they won 1-0 thanks to a calamitous goalkeeping error by Leno. Newcastle head to Anfield without a win in 25 years too…i’d take a 1-0 win thanks to an Allison OG!
12:10: Liverpool come into the game having been relegated from the European Super League this week by their own fans! They’re in need of all three points as they attempt to EARN the right to play European football next season. A win today would take them in to the top 4, temporarily at least.
12:06: Got 0-0 written all over it ay?..
12:05: Here’s to hoping for a few goals today! There have actually been a whopping 15 goals in Newcastle’s past 4 games, and Liverpool v Newcastle fixture’s have a history of involving goals:
12:02: Be sure to check out our Ref Watch segment at the bottom of this page, where we take a look at the man in charge of today’s game!
11:57: What do we reckon to the starting XI then? No Wilson, no Willock. Bruce showing faith after the gritty win against West Ham by naming the same starting side, but you have to wonder whether they will miss the attacking potency of Wilson up top.
11:50: Welcome Newcastle fans, to Coming Home Newcastle’s live gamethread for our match against Liverpool at Anfield! Before we kick things off here, be sure to check out the CHN Preview by Alex here, to get all low-down on an important fixture for both teams!
Newcastle United head to Anfield, unbeaten in three games, seeking a first league win at the Merseyside club in 25 years. A win would move the Magpies to 38 points in the Premier League, a total which should provide safety from relegation as it would have done in each of the past eight seasons. The reigning PL champions have had a tough season, riddled with injuries and the loss of fortress status to their iconic ground, but they’ll be seeking a strong end to the season in their search for European football – that has to be earned – next season.
Team News
Confirmed Team News
Newcastle named an un-changed 11 to the side that started against West Ham, with main striker Wilson having to settle for a spot on the bench. Joelinton, who has two in his last two home games, keeps his position up top and will look to wear this Liverpool side – who have leaked goals at home this season – down with Saint-Maximin up top.
Despite his late winner and big impacts off the bench, Joe Willock remains on the bench with Bruce opting for Sean Longstaff instead.
The Line-Ups
Newcastle Starting XI:
Dubravka
Ritchie, Dummett, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett
Shelvey, Longstaff, Almiron
Joelinton, Saint-Maximin
Bench:
Gillespie, Carroll, Gayle, Wilson, Lewis, Manquillo, Hendrick, Krafth, Willock
Early team news
Friday’s pre-match press conference with Steve Bruce provided some key updates on Newcastle’s star players:
Pre-Match Press Conference Notes
You can find all of the notes and quotes from yesterday’s pre-match press conference on the Chronicle page here. Or, flick through the official Newcastle Twitter thread below;
How to Watch/Listen
TV & Online: SiriusXM FC, Peacock – United States; BT Sport 1, BT Sport Extra, BT Sport Ultimate – United Kingdom; DAZN – Canada; beIN Sports Connect, SuperSport Premier League ROA, SuperSport MaXimo 1, RMC Sport 1
Radio: TalkSport Radio UK, BBC Radio 5 Live
Information from LiveSoccer.com
Ref Watch – Taking a brief look at the man in charge.
Andre Marriner
The veteran Premier League referee is taking charge of his 356th game in the competition. The Brummie has been a highly rated official over the past few years, and was recently shortlisted for English referees to be involved in European Football from 2022.
It’s just the second time this season he’s refereed a Magpies game this season, the other being a 2-0 loss away at Man City. The Toon have actually lost their last seven games with Marriner officiating. This will be his third game in charge of a Liverpool fixture this season, with the Reds also failing to have won a game having lost to Southampton and drawing to Fulham. This will be the 8th time Marriner has been in charge of a Newcastle v Liverpool fixture, with Newcastle having won 2, drawn 2 and lost 3 of the previous 7.
Ominously, Marriner has shown more red cards (6) to Newcastle than any other club in his career. Meanwhile, he’s never shown a red to Liverpool, despite being in charge of 54 PL games involving them.