Sublime Liverpool Too Good For Plummeting Newcastle

The word “demolition” springs to mind, as Jordan Henderson’s curling free-kick was the last of many wonderful goals scored by a sensational Liverpool team who just swept Newcastle United aside.

No one could have predicted this before the game, but it was obvious from the first two minutes that Liverpool meant business, with the Merseyside club testing the Newcastle defense early on.

It didn’t take long for them to make use of their early domination, as Philippe Coutinho’s hanging cross was met by the head of Daniel Agger, who managed to beat the offside trap to head over Rob Elliot, completely unmarked. Newcastle just fell asleep.

The next ten minutes were just as painful for Newcastle fans, as every time the ball went in to their half, Liverpool looked like they could score another. Coutinho almost found Henderson as the Englishman burst through the Newcastle defense, but the pass was just a tad too heavy, and was comfortably swept up by Elliot.

It didn’t take long for the Reds to get another, and some lovely work by Daniel Sturridge allowed him to play the one-two with Coutinho which gave Sturridge the space to pass the ball to the on-running Henderson, who slotted home in an open net.

This goal, and the next twenty minutes really helped to highlight the weakness of the Newcastle side who turned up that afternoon. Flaws were found everywhere. 

Their defense was practically obsolete, as Liverpool could easily have scored more in the first half.

They were offered no support from the two defensive midfielders, which just made Henderson and Coutinho’s jobs easier.

Their front three were completely ineffective. Jonas Gutierrez showed again why he lacks the technical ability to play that kind of advanced position. Papiss Cisse was marked out of the game, and was given practically no service from his colleagues.

And lastly, Moussa Sissoko? He isn’t a right winger. I have no clue why he was playing there in the first place. He is a superb central midfielder. He has neither the ability to cross nor to beat his marker. Tactically unwise from Pardew.

The first half was just completely dominated by Liverpool. Newcastle possessed no threat at all, and their only real chance was when James Perch headed miraculously wide from a superb Massadio Haidara cross. He really should’ve scored. 

There was also some controversy when Glen Johnson refused to let go of Cheik Tiote’s leg, and having already been on a yellow card, probably should’ve been sent off, but Liverpool went into the break still having eleven men on the field.

When the second half began, you could but wonder what Alan Pardew could say to his players that would improve their somewhat dismal first-half performance. They had made incredible comebacks in the past, however.

They almost looked like they could do it as well. They started pressurizing the Liverpool defense, and could’ve scored had it not been for Yohan Cabaye’s heavy touch just inside the box. 

There were more chances, however, as Gouffran managed to head towards goal, but his weak effort was saved easily by Reina.

Liverpool weren’t content to sit back and defend for the rest of the game, however. They constantly threatened on the counter, and in the 54th minute, their pace was too much to cope with, as shortly after a Newcastle attack, Liverpool broke quickly, and a clever pass from Coutinho found Sturridge, who finished exquisitely into the top corner.

This was only the start, however. 3-0 wasn’t enough for Liverpool.

Only six minutes later, superb passing from Gerrard and Henderson gave Sturridge an open goal to convert into. Easy peasy.

I suppose you have to give some credit to Newcastle. They tried, for pride’s sake, to get back in the game, but Liverpool were just too good. 4-0 up, they still performed to their utmost best, and Newcastle didn’t worry them in the slightest.

The large scoreline gave Liverpool a bit of freedom, who decided to bring on Fabio Borini, who had spent a long period of time injured, and, more importantly, hadn’t yet scored a Premier League goal for his club. That soon changed, however.

Neat passing around Newcastle’s box resulted in the Italian having adequate space to poke a finish into the bottom corner. It was just too easy.

Newcastle seemed to lose their cool then. A reckless challenge on Coutinho from Mathieu Debuchy gave him his second yellow card, only making things worse for Newcastle. It was clumsy and rash, and completely unnecessary.

Things went from worse to embarrassing as the consequential free-kick curled it’s way past about seven players from both sides and found its way past the goalkeeper as well. It really shouldn’t have gone in.

Coutinho also went on to hit the bar, and Newcastle ended their game as poorly as it started.

6-0 was just not good enough, plain and simple. They just lacked the urgency and desire, but, credit to Liverpool who played out of their skins, mainly due to the Brazilian magician Philippe Coutinho, who was absolutely fantastic throughout. If I had to name a player Man of the Match, it would certainly be him.

Leander Winden (@LeanderWinden)