Liverpool extend lead to 13 points with controlled win against Newcastle | OneFootball

Liverpool are surging towards the Premier League title. Arne Slot’s side extended their lead at the top to 13 points with 10 games remaining, dispatching Newcastle United with a controlled and composed display at Anfield. The Reds’ momentum is undeniable, and as their supposed challengers falter, the inevitability of their dominance grows.News of Arsenal’s draw at Nottingham Forest filtered through before Alexis Mac Allister sealed the points, adding to Dominik Szoboszlai’s first-half goal. The Kop responded with a chorus of “Liverpool, top of the league.” The Anfield crowd, denied a title celebration in 2020 due to the pandemic, is beginning to sense another triumph.This was Liverpool’s fifth game in 15 days, a stretch widely seen as a defining phase in the title race. They emerged stronger than ever. “What impressed me most was that this was our fifth game in 15 days,” Slot said. “Everton we all know how emotional that was, then Wolves, then two difficult away games with Villa and City. To show up the way we did tonight, hardly conceding a chance against a very good team like Newcastle, is a big compliment for the players.”Despite a punishing schedule, Liverpool showed no signs of fatigue. Luis Diaz was relentless on the left, Szoboszlai continued his resurgence, and Mac Allister demonstrated his class once more. Newcastle, depleted by injuries, failed to offer a real threat, their biggest chance falling to Callum Wilson, who fluffed his finish when put through on goal.Slot watched from the stands due to suspension, but his team never missed a step. John Heitinga, a former Everton player, led from the touchline, but the system remained seamless. “Watching it in real time is less stressful,” Slot admitted. “You have a better overview. The downside is you can see replays as well, and, as you know from the reason why I was suspended, I can get emotional about certain decisions!”Liverpool’s second goal showcased their sharpness. Mac Allister pounced on a loose Newcastle pass and fed Mohamed Salah, who returned the ball for the Argentine to fire into the top corner. It was Salah’s 22nd assist of the season, another sign of his evolving game.Slot has been urging his midfielders to step up in front of goal, and Szoboszlai has responded. “If you wear the Liverpool shirt as a midfielder, you should score goals,” he said. “Not always has it been needed, sometimes they provide the assist, but today we depended on goals from them and they showed up.”Liverpool’s energy, work rate, and mentality remain at a level their rivals cannot match. The Premier League trophy is within reach, but Slot refuses to look too far ahead. “I don’t think that way,” he said. “I forget the league table now, I forget the Premier League until the moment we’ve played Paris Saint-Germain.”His players, however, are making it impossible for anyone else to do the same.