Salah Impresses As Liverpool Defeat Newcastle

Mohamed Salah scored his 22nd goal of the season as Liverpool claimed a hard-fought win over Newcastle, Liverpool reduced the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp's team fell behind early on to their struggling opponents as Jonjo Shelvey scored against his previous club following a rapid break, despite the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho due to suspected positive coronavirus tests.

Liverpool, on the other hand, took command after scoring two goals in the span of four minutes.

Diogo Jota's equalizer was controversial since it came while Isaac Hayden was down in the six-yard box with a head injury, but the Portuguese took advantage of the situation by tucking in on the rebound after Martin Dubravka's first save.

Shelvey then undid his good start by passing to Sadio Mane, who forced another save from Dubravka before Salah scored.

Salah equalled Jamie Vardy's record of scoring or assisting in 15 consecutive Premier League games with his goal, but Allan Saint-Maximin squandered an opportunity when he was denied by Alisson.

After the break, Eddie Howe's side improved as the hosts relaxed and went near via Jacob Murphy and Shelvey, but Trent Alexander-late Arnold's effort from 25 yards finished the game as a contest, and Liverpool now trail City by a point.

Newcastle are currently 19th in the table, three points off safety and their mission of avoiding relegation will not be made any easier when they face league leaders Pep Guardiola's side on Sunday.