Liverpool won 2-0 against Newcastle United in an evening Premier League match at Anfield on Wednesday February 26, 2025. The victory made the Reds lead at the top grow to 13 points which solidified their status as title favorites. Dominik Szoboszlai along with Alexis Mac Allister scored goals while Mohamed Salah produced stunning play on the field. The defiant moments of Newcastle failed to prevent them from dropping to the sixth position which raised questions about their hopes to secure top-four finish. We will investigate every aspect of the game from three angles before measuring the consequences for both squads.
Liverpool started the match with dominance from the beginning
Liverpool launched their dominance as soon as the match started. The team under Arne Slot delivered high-paced runs as they executed quick passes throughout their offensive moves. An 11th-minute goal opened possibilities for an impressive performance during this match.
The Hungarian midfielder Szoboszlai scored the decisive goal to open the game.
The opener arrived sharply. Left side winger Luis Diaz defeated Valentino Livramento down the wing before making an accurate passing cross. There, Szoboszlai pounced. Newcastle allowed Tonali an instant to let the Hungarian attacker become open. A delivery from Szoboszlai outfoxed Nick Pope and triggered Anfield to erupt. The hosts seized control of the match when they scored their first goal early in the game.
Newcastle’s Response Falls Short
Nevertheless, Newcastle nearly hit back. Callum Wilson used Ibrahima Konaté’s lack of defense to take the ball from him before sprinting toward the goal in the 25th minute. Szoboszlai sent a short pass to the side of Alisson Becker. The Magpies missed their chance after failing to capitalize on a precious opportunity thus allowing Liverpool to breathe easily with the lead. Salah maintained pressing runs to pressure Newcastle defenders but Liverpool kept their advantage at 1-0 through the first half despite controlling the possession at 61.5% while firing seven shots.
Second Half: Liverpool Seal the Deal
Newcastle displayed fighting spirit during the second period. The changes made by Eddie Howe during halftime helped Newcastle gain control of the match briefly. The Newcastle team eventually fell short once Liverpool produced their superior quality in the middle of the match.
Newcastle’s defense began their collapse when Mac Allister defied all prediction with a miraculous goal outcome.
Liverpool managed to score their second goal during the 63rd minute of play. The magic of Salah took hold as he moved right and successfully avoided Lewis Hall. An accurate pass from Mac Allister went through to Mac Allister who powered the shot into the top netting. Pope stood helpless. Liverpool managed to score their second goal by taking advantage of the poor defensive position Newcastle maintained.
Newcastle fought until the end but Liverpool refused to give up their lead in the match.
Subsequently, Newcastle chased the game. Gordon attempted a curling shot against the keeper who blocked the ball successfully. The three shots they attempted during the game all missed the mark showing their inaccurate approach to the match. The dominance of Liverpool was reflected by their twelve shots including three on goal during the match. The final moments of the match saw Salah cut through defense only for Pope to push his effort away. Konaté wound up for a controversial header which was disallowed because of a foul but Liverpool continued to dominate the match.
Standout Players: Who Shaped the Night?
Owing to their individual brilliance a couple of key players made their imprint on the game despite both teams displaying strong player rosters. Here’s where the spotlight landed.
Focus Key: Salah’s Masterclass
Unsurprisingly, Salah dazzled. The assist he provided to Mac Allister established his 16th league assist while scoring 25 goals. His quick pace along with eye for attack became a nightmare for Newcastle defenders throughout the match. Newcastle’s attack received significant support from both Szoboszlai and Mac Allister through their precise final touches and appropriate movement.
Newcastle’s Dimmed Lights
During the match Newcastle received sporadic contributions from Wilson which ultimately amounted to little. In the first part of the match Wilson’s chance was crucial as he missed but Isak faced tough resistance from Van Dijk. The goalkeeping skills from Pope prevented the final score from becoming more destructive even though Liverpool suffered a difficult loss.
Tactical Analysis: Slot vs. Howe
The contest took shape through the directions established by the managers. Slot delivered a successful game plan which overpowered Howe who struggled against Liverpool’s aggressive approach.
Slot’s Winning Formula
The pressing defense Slot implemented restricted Newcastle’s middle players in a tight area. Fast moving transitions successfully took advantage of open spaces when Diaz and Salah operated in advanced positions. The defending skills of Van Dijk protected the team from conceding any goals throughout the match.
Howe’s Plan Unravels
At the start of the game Howe intended to rely on counterattacks by using Gordon and Isak to execute play. Yet, Liverpool’s pressure disrupted them. Moreover during this phase the defensive mistakes rendered the team’s offensive attempt fruitless. Ultimately, adaptability eluded Newcastle.
Wider Impact: Title Race and Top-Four Fight
This result ripples beyond Anfield. The competition has now become more stark for the two competing teams.
Liverpool ’s Title Grip Tightens
The 27 game points total of 64 from Liverpool has established them as leaders of Arsenal due to the Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Forest. The title position now appears in direct sight because of their current standing. Anfield earns its reputation because Liverpool have maintained 28 straight home victories over Newcastle United.
Newcastle’s Top-Four Wobble
Meanwhile, Newcastle drop to sixth, three points shy of Manchester City. Their continuous fight faces the major challenge of inconsistent performance. The forthcoming significant matches intensify the level of pressure on Howe based on his team’s current position.
Fan Pulse: Joy and Despair
When the end of the match blew, different feelings spread between the fans. At Anfield supporters celebrated in joy but Newcastle fans endured remaining seething following the final whistle.
Anfield’s Ecstasy
The Kop roared with pride. Twitter users declared Mo as Ballon d’Or worthy with their post “Mo’s unreal—Ballon d’Or next!” A member of the home crowd praised Slot for building “a monster.” The religious community shows an increasing sense of faith.
Newcastle’s Gloom
Conversely, Magpies supporters fumed. “One of Wilson’s unsuccessful attempts during the match meant defeat for us,” said a Newcastle United supporter on X. A supporter sighed deeply as he expressed “The top four positions are starting to slip away from us.” The team’s determination during the second half was sufficient for some fans to maintain positive thoughts about their team’s prospects.
What’s Next: Upcoming Challenges
Both teams now pivot to their next tests. The teams will rebuild their energy after periods of rest.
Liverpool ’s Breather
The Reds will play their next game against Southampton seven days after this break during March 5. As a manager Slot has the option to modify his approach and maintain his energy levels. With 11 regular-season matches remaining before the season ends Salah has the chance to match the 47 goal-involvement record set by Shearer.
Newcastle’s Rebound Shot
Meanwhile, Newcastle host Leicester on March 1. Following the defeat Howe needs to shake up his troops into a productive team. Newcastle faces a notable challenge against Leicester City while managing their injury problems because Isak’s unexpected style might revitalize their current situation.
Conclusion: Liverpool’s Unstoppable Rise
As Liverpool dominated the match Newcastle fell short by a 2-0 margin during their fixture. The team displayed their elite qualities with Szoboszlai opening the score while Mac Allister secured the victory. The last match concluded when Newcastle failed to convert opportunities and made unforced mistakes. Now, as the Reds surge toward the title, the Premier League marvels. Resilience serves as the only protective shield Newcastle possesses to avoid an unfortunate season collapse.
