Liverpool extended their lead on the table to three points with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield Stadium in the first Premier League game of 2024 on Monday night.
The hosts had the opportunity to take the lead in the 22nd minute after the Reds were awarded a penalty kick when Luis Diaz was fouled inside the box. However, Mohamed Salah’s effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
Four minutes into the second half, Salah redeemed himself for the first-half penalty miss by scoring from Darwin Nunez’s assist to put Liverpool ahead. However, Alexander Isak equalised for Newcastle within five minutes.
The goal brought Salah’s league goals for Liverpool to 150, making him the first Liverpool player in history to reach that milestone.
In the 74th minute, Liverpool regained the lead thanks to Curtis Jones, who found an open net following a through pass from Salah to Nunez, who then assisted the eventual scorer.
Substitute Cody Gakpo extended the lead for the hosts four minutes later, capitaliding on an assist from Salah. In the 81st minute, Sven Botman reduced the deficit for Newcastle by heading home Sean Longstaff’s corner kick.
Salah secured his brace and sealed victory for Jurgen Klopp’s team by scoring from the spot in the 86th minute.
They now have 45 points from 20 matches this season, three points ahead of second-placed Aston Villa, while Newcastle is yet to win any of their last four games across all competitions, recording three losses and one draw.