SHORT AND SWEET
Records go despite loss of stars
PERHAPS bored with Mo Salah breaking all the records, Jurgen Klopp set an impressive one of his own at Anfield.
On a night when his side was hit by three Covid-related withdrawals, including key duo Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho, the German became the fastest manager in Liverpool history to record 150 wins.
He did so against a dogged Newcastle side who rarely got out of their own half. And, inevitably, he was helped by another Salah goal.
It means Klopp reaches the figure in 12 matches fewer than it took Kenny Dalglish to set that mark.
And, just for good measure, the win saw Liverpool become the first English club to record 2000 top-flight victories.
It was maybe just as well there were so many records because the game was a thoroughly routine affair as Liverpool fought back from an early Jonjo Shelvey opener to win thanks to goals from Diogo
Jota, Salah and a late screamer from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold said: “I’ve been waiting for that (type of goal) for five years. I’ve had a few ones from the edge of box and dragged them.
“I’ve caught that one sweet and it nestled in the top corner.”
The Reds were mainly in charge. Yet the goal that changed the contest, after Shelvey’s stunning opener from outside the box, was controversial.
From Andy Robertson’s corner, Isaac Hayden rose to clear but collided with his own team-mate Fabian Schar and stayed down as play continued.
Ref Mike Dean appeared correct in his gesture to the complaining Newcastle players that there was no head injury and, as the ball was swept back in, Jota headed goalwards. Martin Dubravka saved but had no chance with the striker’s follow-up.
If Hayden was hurt, it was caused by Schar toppling on to him. Though Toon felt aggrieved, Dean was right to allow play to continue.
Shelvey then undid his positive start by gifting a backpass to Sadio Mane, who drew another save from Dubravka before Salah lashed home.
And Alexander-Arnold sealed the points with a 25-yard piledriver that almost burst the Newcastle net.
Toon boss Howe said: “The game should have been stopped before their equaliser with two players down. Two players down in the box and it had a huge bearing on things.”