Liverpool had their African stars to thank as they moved second on the league table, after they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday.
Mohamed Salah put the Reds ahead in the first half, before Senegal international, Sadio Mane added a second after the break.
It was Liverpool’s fourth successive win in all competitions, and sees them reduce the deficit between them and leaders, Manchester City, to 15points.
Newcastle United were stubborn, but the home side remained patient and eventually broke the deadlock just before the break.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s through ball found Salah, who made no mistakes from six yards out to net his 24th league goal of the season.
Mohammed Diame almost equalised for the visitors, but Karius produced a superb reflex save to ensure the Reds went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
After the break, the home side continued from where they stopped, dominant on the ball, as they looked to kill off the game.
And on the 55th minute, the hosts doubled their advantage through Mane, who latched on to a brilliant pass from Brazilian forward, Roberto Firmino to put his side 2-0 up.
It was the 200th goal Liverpool have scored in the PL under the managerial guidance of Jurgen Klopp, and it sealed the win and three points.
Saturday’s win sees the Reds temporarily climb above rivals, Manchester United, who don’t play until Monday, into second place.
“This team is obviously always on the front foot to score the next goal, but we adapted to the situation as a team,” Klopp said after the
game. “The crowdas really brilliant. You always have to earn things like this and with a few performances we earned it.”
