Szoboszlai and Mac Allister Shine in Rain-Soaked Anfield

Liverpool took a significant step closer to securing their 20th Premier League title with a dominant 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on Wednesday. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, coupled with Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest, extended the Reds’ lead at the top of the table to 13 points, further solidifying their position as title favorites.

Under pouring rain at Anfield, Liverpool fans were treated to another stellar performance from their team. Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a left-footed strike that somehow eluded Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. The Hungarian midfielder, who has been in scintillating form, continued to impress with his energy and creativity, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.

Newcastle, missing their in-form striker Alexander Isak due to a minor groin injury, struggled to create meaningful chances. Callum Wilson, making his first Premier League start of the season, squandered their best opportunity, failing to convert when clean through on goal. Mac Allister made Newcastle pay for that miss in the second half, sealing the victory with a well-taken goal assisted by the ever-brilliant Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool’s relentless approach was evident throughout the match, with seven players starting all five of their recent fixtures in a grueling 15-day period. Despite the demanding schedule, the Reds showed no signs of fatigue, underlining their superiority with a disciplined and energetic performance.

Head coach Arne Slot watched from the stands due to a two-game touchline ban but had plenty to be proud of. Speaking in the post-match press conference, Slot praised his team’s resilience: “What impressed me most was that it was our fifth game in 15 days, and the four before weren’t simple games. To show up the way we did, hardly conceding a chance against a very good team like Newcastle, is a big compliment to the players.”

When asked about Liverpool’s title prospects, Slot remained focused on the immediate challenges: “I don’t think about the league table now. My main focus is on Paris Saint-Germain [in the Champions League]. We’ll think about the Premier League again after that.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed frustration with his team’s defensive lapses, particularly in the build-up to both Liverpool goals. “We should never concede from those situations,” he said. “We were two yards off very good players in the box, and they punished us.”

Howe also lamented the absence of Isak, whose injury forced a tactical reshuffle. “We missed him today, but we’ve got so many big games coming up, and we didn’t want to take the risk,” he explained. Despite the loss, Howe found positives in his team’s shape and effort levels, though he acknowledged their attacking play fell short.

With Arsenal dropping points and Manchester City securing a narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham, Liverpool’s title march continues unabated. The Reds now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 first leg on Wednesday. They return to Premier League action on March 8 against Southampton at Anfield.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in the FA Cup fifth round against Brighton on Sunday before facing West Ham in the league on March 10. The Magpies will also have a chance to redeem themselves when they meet Liverpool again in the League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium next month.