Liverpool continued a good week with an impressive victory at Champions League qualification rivals Newcastle United on Saturday.
Goals inside the opening 17 minutes from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo earned the Reds a 2-0 victory against a Magpies side reduced to 10 men midway through the first half. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s charges have now closed the gap on the fourth-placed Toon Army to six points with a game in hand.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at St James' Park.
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Gakpo gets it
It has been an encouraging few days for Gakpo, the January signing following his debut goal against Everton on Monday with a well-taken strike on Tyneside.
That, though, didn't mean he escaped the wrath of Jurgen Klopp. Earlier in the game, the Reds boss was livid with the Dutchman having not offered himself as a passing option for an under-pressure Mohamed Salah.
And even after doubling the visitors' lead, Gakpo was still being barked instructions from his agitated manager on the touchline. Welcome to Liverpool, Cody.
Milner praised as Gordon left hanging
It wasn't all tough love from Klopp. James Milner made a physical impact from the bench, and one strong challenge during the closing moments prompted firm applause from his manager.
Meanwhile, Newcastle substitute and former Everton man Anthony Gordon was a bit too strong with one tackle when he caught Virgil van Dijk to leave the Dutchman on the floor in pain.
A contrite Gordon offered his hand to help Van Dijk to his feet only to become a little bored waiting for his stricken opponent to recognise the gesture before wandering off following a friendly slap on the back from Andy Robertson.
Alisson acknowledged
Anyone doubting the value of Alisson Becker to Liverpool's campaign was given emphatic evidence here, the goalkeeper underlining his position as arguably the best in the world with a hugely impressive performance.
It was enough to earn a headlock from his delighted manager following the final whistle, while his fellow Liverpool goalkeepers were similarly enthused.
Having waited on the touchline for Alisson to leave the field, Caoimhin Kelleher gave the Brazilian a huge embrace and Adrian offered a big smile and handshake.
Atsu and Robson remembered
There was a poignant moment before the game when the tragic death of former Newcastle and Everton winger Christian Atsu was marked by a minute's applause during which the travelling Kop broke out into a spontaneous rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone.
Touching too were the tributes from the home supporters for former manager Bobby Robson, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday. Played inside the stadium was Nessun Dorma, a tune closely associated with the 1990 World Cup where Robson famously led England to the semi-finals which proved the catalyst for the modern era of the game in this country.
However, the away end later couldn't resist reminding Newcastle of their ongoing barren spell with chants of "You haven't won a trophy since 1969". The Magpies will hope to address that in next week's Carabao Cup final.
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