Early Keita goal sends Liverpool back atop the Premier League

Liverpool extended their undefeated streak in the Premier League to 15 games on Saturday.

The Reds defeated Newcastle United 1-0, moving them back atop the league above Manchester City at full-time. Manchester City will have a chance to reclaim the top position when they travel to Leeds United later on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s squad looked a bit different at St. James’ Park than the one that battled in the Champions League midweek, with Mohamed Salah, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all starting on the bench.

Newcastle looked to press aggressively early, catching the Reds looking slightly off-guard for the opening minutes before gaining control. Naby Keita, in his Xth start for the Reds this season, opened the scoring early in the first half. Off a pass from Luiz Diaz, Keita calmly took the ball along the goal line, dancing past Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka and finding an opening to slot his fourth goal of the season.

That 1-nil lead carried through to halftime, with an arsenal of threats still on the bench ready to come in.

Liverpool nearly scored a second early in the second half with Joe Gomez finding Sadio Mane in the middle of the opposing box, but Mane pulled the shot wide. Shortly after, Mane was booked for a dangerous challenge on Dubravka, and was immediately subbed for Salah. Jordan Henderson also made way for Fabinho.

Despite constant effort, a second insurance goal never came for the Reds, but luckily it was not needed. Liverpool won 1-nil with a massive 24 shots, 10 on target, in the match.

As of fulltime, the Reds are leading the Premier League by two points with Manchester City set to play Leeds later on. Liverpool’s next top-flight battle will take place next Saturday when the Reds host Tottenham.

GK/Defenders

Alisson – 7

Alisson made a good play early on a breaking Saint-Maximin, coming out of the box and using his feet to make the challenge. There wasn’t too much else for him to do, as many of the Newcastle threatening attacks didn’t end in shots on net, but Alisson was good on his feet and with distribution throughout the match.

Joe Gomez – 9

Gomez did extremely well in the first half of containing Saint-Maximin, no small task. On his adventures forward, Gomez was able to find space and even made a brilliant pass to Mane that should have been slotted home for Liverpool’s second goal. He finished with three tackles, three interceptions and a clearance. He also had an 81% pass accuracy including one key pass in the attacking end.

Joel Matip – 7

Matip remained calm on the ball even with the deep Newcastle press always threatening, but was limited to chances to go forward. Remained calm and collected during the Newcastle attacks in the second half and finished with four clearances, one tackle, one interception, and 3 aerials won.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Van Dijk was his normal composed self whenever called upon defensively and offensively to help earn another clean sheet. On the defensive end, Van Dijk did well to keep Newcastle attacks away from Alisson, with three clearances and two aerials won. On the ball, the Dutchman had a successful dribble and two shots, including one on target, and 87% pass accuracy on 67 passes.

Andy Robertson – 9

Robertson seemed to be flying everywhere on the pitch on Saturday all the way up to the final whistle at 93 minutes played. He had a clearance, two tackles, a shot on target, and 85% pass success on 46 passes including a key pass. Stats aside, Robertson had presence all the way up and down the wing on Saturday and was constantly involved and running full speed, even after 90 minutes of play.