Newcastle United players and staff's disappointment following a narrow defeat against Liverpool showed how far the Magpies have come, but this 1-0 loss also served as a fresh reminder of the work Eddie Howe's side have to do to one day compete with the rampant Reds.
Although Newcastle have made unquestionable strides defensively, at the other end of the field, this was an afternoon where the hosts failed to seriously test Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and failed to even win a single corner kick. Newcastle still have Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier to come back, of course, who both give this side a different dimension, while Ryan Fraser was also missing, but the black-and-whites will need further firepower to move to the next level.
It may be a window where evolution rather than revolution is the message coming from the club, but Newcastle's priority this summer must be to secure at least another match-winner in the final third. Callum Wilson, after all, is still the club's top scorer this season with a measly six goals despite not featuring since December. The goalscoring burden has certainly been shared in Wilson's absence but, as good as Liverpool centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are, it was a little too comfortable for the pair on Saturday.
