Mohamed Salah marked his 150th Premier League goal for Liverpool with a mixed performance, scoring and missing a penalty in his final appearance before the African Cup of Nations. This helped Jurgen Klopp’s team widen their lead at the top of the table.

Despite Salah’s penalty hiccup, he redeemed himself by assisting substitute Cody Gakpo’s crucial third goal and contributing to Curtis Jones’ goal, restoring their lead in the game.

Liverpool’s victory moved them three points ahead of second-placed Aston Villa, creating a crucial gap from Manchester City, who now trail by five points with a match in hand.

The team’s performance during Salah’s absence will be pivotal for their title aspirations. However, the sharpness displayed by Gakpo and Diogo Jota, who won the late penalty converted by Salah for his 151st Premier League goal, offers optimism.

Salah missed an opportunity to secure the lead in the first half by failing to convert a penalty, but his determination fueled a stronger performance in the second half.

Newcastle, missing key players due to injury, employed a cautious approach with their formation, aiming to end a nearly 30-year winless streak at Anfield.

Despite Liverpool’s dominance in the first half, Newcastle managed to stay in contention due to missed opportunities and resolute goalkeeping from Dubravka, frustrating Liverpool’s attempts.

The visitors had limited attacking chances, and while Nunez showed promise in the second half, Liverpool’s persistent onslaught eventually paid off with goals from Jones and Gakpo, sealing Salah’s final involvement before his tournament absence.

The loss further diminishes Newcastle’s hopes for a top-four finish, with their recent poor form in away games contributing to an increasingly challenging gap in points.