Liverpool’s last-gasp victory at Newcastle introduced with it loads of speaking factors, not least the positives and the areas to enhance.
For the second consecutive Premier League recreation, Liverpool surrendered a 2-0 lead and had been left to conjure up an exhilarating end to take all three factors.
Federico Chiesa was the catalyst in week one, and at St James’ Park it was 16-year-old Rio Ngummoha’s flip within the highlight.
With it nonetheless so early within the season, Liverpool’s 3-2 win was one other alternative to find extra about Arne Slot‘s new-look aspect, and we weren’t quick on positives or negatives…
- 1. Rio has unbelievable composure at 16
You might forgive a 16-year-old for being overawed by the event and the possibility, however he tucked away his shot with poise that you’d anticipate from a seasoned skilled.
That Arne Slot stated post-match, “I did hear somebody say afterwards within the dressing room he would have taken a primary contact,” speaks volumes of the end.
Confidence is just not in brief provide!
- 2. Permitting groups again into the match is a fear
For the second week working, Liverpool have given up a 2-0 purpose lead and have been left to conjure the power to halt the opposition’s momentum whereas conspiring to search out their very own.
It isn’t sustainable, even when thrilling for us watching on, and Slot must rediscover the sport administration abilities that made clear sheets doable.
The Northern Irishman’s damage report is worrisome, however his return off the bench was a welcome sight with Jeremie Frimpong to be sidelined till after the September worldwide break.
He was understandably tough across the edges having not performed for the reason that tour of Asia, however he wanted that cameo if he’s to be in competition to start out towards Arsenal.
There’s an acceptance that Hugo Ekitike is constructing his match health and is getting nearer to finishing 90 minutes, however Liverpool dropped off considerably when he was taken off after 80 minutes.
There was now not an apparent out-ball possibility, and Liverpool dropped deeper into their very own half, inviting Newcastle to play direct and to their strengths.
Slot’s choices off the bench we’ll get to later, however the timing and choice continues to bemuse.
- 5. Szoboszlai underlined his price to the aspect
Taking part in at right-back, it was a type of nights that the stats didn’t precisely painting the affect of the Hungarian, who labored tirelessly all through.
And the extra we will discuss that dummy for Rio, the higher. He gained’t get the help, however everyone knows he helped make the second occur. He’s a participant you’ll be able to’t omit of the aspect.
Whether or not it’s that his head has turned in direction of Actual Madrid or not, Konate has struggled to claim himself up to now this season, now not profitable the battles which can be his bread and butter when on type.
He has had a rotating door of right-backs to date, however he isn’t constructing a convincing case to not be ousted if Liverpool do bolster their centre-back ranks additional this summer time.
Within the time between the forty seventh minute and Ngumoha’s winner, Liverpool created an xG of 0.00 and conceded twice towards 10 males regardless of having the vast majority of possession.
The Reds scored when it mattered, however Newcastle made positive the sport was performed on their phrases and the unending stoppages performed into their fingers.
- 8. Funding continues to be wanted earlier than switch deadline
For the entire assertion signings Liverpool have made, there may be nonetheless an apparent scarcity of recreation changers – and that feels prefer it gained’t change even when Alexander Isak is signed.
Slot had 5 defensive gamers (together with a goalkeeper) on his bench and solely two forwards. Fortunately, Ngumoha might win the sport off his boot, nevertheless it’s not an encouraging record for the long run.
With solely Alexis Mac Allister, Kostas Tsimikas and Frimpong neglected of the squad, there stays lacking items of the puzzle.
Liverpool’s bench: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Leoni, Bradley, Robertson, Endo, Elliott, Ngumoha, Chiesa
- 9. Virgil stays a degree above the remaining
Virgil van Dijk was imperious once more, even after he had Anthony Gordon’s stud marks raked down his calf.
He made a game-high 13 clearances, of which 10 had been headed clear, and thrived in an environment that others would shirk below. At 34, he stays as important because the day he was signed.
- 10. Conceding two from set items
“It was set-piece after set-piece, lengthy throw,” Slot surmised after the match, with Newcastle going the direct route after shedding a person.
Liverpool didn’t cope, although, with the road greater than regular for his or her equaliser whereas their first got here from a throw-in state of affairs – each had been preventable and Arsenal now know there’s a weak point to take advantage of.
Milos Kerkez was at fault for Newcastle‘s opener, in search of physique contact with Bruno Guimaraes reasonably than standing tall and difficult for the ball himself.
Like Andy Robertson earlier than him, he wants time to adapt and settle into the workforce, and it will not be a shock to see Slot begin to flip to his veteran left-back.
He can be a useful participant for Liverpool, however he has work to do.
- 12. Ekitike is the pure finisher we’ve craved
Three video games, three targets and all got here with a scientific end.
It’s what Liverpool have been crying out for and you may solely hope that any pursuit of Isak solely elevates what he has to supply shifting ahead as a result of what we’ve seen up to now is extremely promising.
Having missed the Group Defend and the opening recreation of the season, there was each likelihood the Dutchman was going to be rusty, however he settled again into the aspect with few hitches.
His purpose was beautifully taken and his positional sense an asset towards Newcastle‘s bodily midfield. He retains the aspect ticking, and his presence was heightened within the absence of Mac Allister.
- 14. Mac Allister absence felt
The stats will paint an image of Curtis Jones having a tidy night, however Liverpool missed the dogged nature of Mac Allister and the way he enhances Gravenberch within the center.
The Argentine helps set the tempo, too usually Liverpool rushed their possession, and he provides the chunk to their play. You may solely hope his health challenge clears up for Arsenal‘s go to…
- 15. Fortunate to get away with no accidents
It was Newcastle with the ‘get into them’ name main into the match, which introduced with it issues of accidents for a number of of our gamers – which Van Dijk was fortunate to flee.
They’re as a substitute counting their casualties within the aftermath and Slot could be grateful it’s not the opposite means round – referee Simon Hooper definitely didn’t assist issues!
- 16. Getting the wins, even when not at their greatest
Liverpool’s weaknesses can be below a extra intense highlight if it weren’t for the very fact they gained their first two video games, and now they’ve the factors and key classes to be taught from.
That Slot’s aspect can nonetheless get the outcomes whereas nonetheless discovering their toes as a new-look outfit bodes nicely, however Arsenal can be one other well timed take a look at earlier than the worldwide break.
