Newcastle – Liverpool: Elanga chills the Reds at halftime (1-0)

23.08.26 FT English Premier League

Newcastle

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Liverpool

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The pre-match show for Newcastle-Liverpool far outshone the action on the pitch, where Anthony Elanga punished a particularly disappointing Reds side.

The spectacle was, in the end, more impressive before kickoff than during the opening 45 minutes. Inside a fired-up St James’ Park, a superb tifo and a minute’s applause paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, the legend of Newcastle and Liverpool, who passed away last July. It was a particularly moving moment ahead of this first Premier League blockbuster of the season.

Anthony Elanga punishes Liverpool on the counter

On the pitch, Newcastle quickly cooled the Reds’ ambitions. As early as the 5th minute, a poorly executed Liverpool attack was ruthlessly turned into a lightning counter. William Osula surged through the middle before releasing Anthony Elanga down the right flank. The former Manchester United man drilled his shot across goal towards the far post, leaving Alisson Becker with no chance.

The Magpies then expertly managed their advantage against a Liverpool side bereft of ideas. Andoni Iraola will need to seriously rally his players at halftime: if they keep up this lack of pace and precision, the Reds could play for hours without breaking through.

Starting on his return to St James’ Park, Alexander Isak was booed every time he touched the ball. The home crowd still hasn’t forgiven the standoff that forced his exit, which ended in a transfer to Liverpool reportedly worth around €150 million.

See also: Manchester City come from behind to beat Bournemouth thanks to Rayan Cherki (2-1)

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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