Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle: Mane ‘living in the matrix’ after gorgeous double

Liverpool star Sadio Mane is ‘living in the matrix’ after his gorgeous double during their 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.

The Reds beat the Magpies at Anfield after conceding first through a Jetro Willems thunderbolt, but the Geordie euphoria didn’t last for long as Mane swiftly brought them back down to Earth.

He’s really upped his game in 2019 and the way the Senegal international took his first goal on Saturday is proof that he’s reaching world class level.

Mane gathered Andy Robertson’s pass, poked it only slightly in front of him to allow himself space to swing a peg, and beautifully planted a finessed shot passed the impressive Martin Dubravka and into the Toon net.

It was a wonderful, flowing, confident finish and one that shows the forward operating at his very best. One Twitter user praised his ability to stay calm, to take that touch, to find space and then to open his body and score.

We couldn’t agree more.

Mane’s second was a bit scrappier but when you’re inside the matrix it doesn’t really matter how they come. The fact that the goals are flowing from both African forwards in brilliant for the side, and when you factor in Roberto Firmino toying with defenders it’s a great time to be a Liverpool fan.

Mohamed Salah has four goals, Mane has four goals, Firmino has two goals but three assists. When you’ve got a front line like that, who needs the midfielders chipping in? Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson also have three assists between them as Liverpool hit their straps.

The Reds now have three days to prepare for a trip to Italy to play Napoli, again. You can be sure that the front three will start, and with Mane in such fine form you can be sure the Serie A side will be paying particular attention to him.