As I have covered before, Liverpool can’t rely too heavily on late-game heroics this season to constantly bail them out. The best way to become a European powerhouse is to address problems at their root.
However, Liverpool appeared to have several flaws at St. James Park on Monday.
Despite starting the season with two wins, the team looks more vulnerable then ever, even when facing Newcastle without Alexander Isak in the side and Anthony Gordon for a half, who received a red card before halftime.
A concerning first half
Under Manager Eddie Howe, Newcastle's strongest attribute is its tough, aggressive defense. This approach has allowed the Magpies to seal games and change their narrative in recent years, while also fostering a hostile relationship with many Premier League teams, including Liverpool.
Without Darwin Nunez’s heroic off-the-bench performance two years ago, Liverpool's vulnerability at St. James' Park would be even clearer.
Aware of Newcastle’s physical and intense style, Arne Slot shifted Dominik Szoboszlai to right back to cover for Jeremie Frimpong, who was absent due to a hamstring injury.
Although Szoboszlai performed well in his new role, Liverpool couldn’t counter Newcastle's relentless pressure, playing submissively in the first 35 minutes.
Liverpool’s lack of physical strength also proved costly, as Newcastle threatened with corners and long balls. Despite Liverpool taking the lead later, Newcastle outshot them 6-2 and had a higher expected goals (xG) of 0.58 compared to 0.07.
One thing I felt Liverpool would address off the back of those key Newcastle and PSG defeats last season is a lack of physicality. Maybe they'll prove that what you do on the ball matters far more, but it's interesting that this game is going exactly like the League Cup final.
— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) August 25, 2025
Ryan Gravenberch’s goal was a bright spot for Liverpool in a challenging match. It was a well-placed strike, somewhat deflected, freezing Newcastle’s keeper Nick Pope and giving Liverpool a temporary morale boost amid Newcastle’s dominance.
Second-half struggles
The red card to Gordon and Hugo Ekitike’s goal pushed Newcastle to the brink, but they fought on.
The match continued in a tense, physical battle with Liverpool struggling to penetrate Newcastle’s high press.
Newcastle stayed resilient, though Liverpool began to control more possessions. The team became more dangerous as it mixed methods, using long throws and direct balls into the box to dominate physically, while also being capable of building from the back and pressing with intensity.
The second half introduction of William Osula proved difficult to handle for the Reds. The Danish striker made an immediate impact with a long ball cross through the air, holding off Gravenberch on the left post, and scoring from close range to equalize, despite Newcastle being down to 10 men.
This goal was partly due to Liverpool’s attention lapse as Ibrahima Konate failed to clear under Dan Burn’s pressure, allowing the long ball to keep rolling through the backline and Osula to capitalize on.
As the match went deep into extra time, Liverpool grew more nervous but remained organized.
Newcastle maintained their attacking rhythm with multiple corners. Thankfully, Liverpool’s defense, led by Virgil van Dijk, revived in such a clutch moment and managed to clear the danger.
And thankfully, 16-year-old academy player Rio Ngumoha made a memorable last-minute contribution with a stunner in his senior debut.
What did Slot say in the postmatch
“You cannot control a game of football if every single ball is thrown into your 18-yard box…that’s why this is such a great team,” Slot complimented the home host in the post-match press conference.
""“Every time when we were quite calm in the build-up but then we ended with our attackers [where] they should keep the ball longer and every time [they] forced a pass. The ball went behind and then we had to defend a long goal-kick again. We couldn't control the game better but that was mainly to do with their playing style and how hard they made it for us""Arne Slot Post-match
Liverpool escaped with a dramatic late win, but the match exposed serious flaws in facing physical teams like Newcastle and in defensive discipline.
Newcastle’s dominance on the pitch highlighted Liverpool’s lack of strength and defensive discipline.
While moments of individual brilliance saved them, Liverpool’s vulnerability at the back remains urgent. Without improvements or further adjustments, stronger opponents will continue to exploit these weaknesses.
At least Liverpool needs to figure something out for the next match against Arsenal, which is adept at corner-kick tricks.