United just making up the numbers and trying to keep their goal difference down
ASHLEY’S PENNY-PINCHING PROVING COSTLY FOR TOON
BY THE end, it was simply a case of keeping the scoreline to a respectable level to ensure Newcastle United’s goal difference wasn’t badly damaged. That is the sad plight of a club which once used to go for broke at Anfield and try to ruffle the feathers of one of the most famous teams in the world. Even the Kopites could see that as they responded with warm applause to fresh chants against Toon owner Mike Ashley to sell up. There’s no doubt about it, United’s record at Liverpool is woeful, but the days of even trying to win against the Reds are behind us as long as the penny-pinching behind the scenes continues to play out. Unfortunately, as long as Ashley and his board are prepared to serve up a budget product, nights like this will see Newcastle merely make up the numbers while a global audience watches on. OK, the Magpies did roll their sleeves up and battle and they were able to make life a little bit more awkward for Liverpool with a five-man defence.
Jurgen Klopp’s side also didn’t look like the one that had easily dismantled FC Porto in the Champions League and then West Ham last weekend in the Prem.
However, with no real threat going forward – Dwight Gayle almost reduced to the role of spectator at times – it was only going to be a matter of time for Liverpool to click and there was no real surprise when Mo Salah got the goal he’d been waiting for just before the break.
Mo Diame’s long-range effort, which was saved well by Loris Karius, could have made things interesting but you did wonder where United were going to go in the second half, and once Sadio Mane had swept home a second, every fan in the stadium knew it was game over.
Even at that stage, Liverpool had another three or four gears they could have cranked up, while for Newcastle, it was a case of damage limitation.
United don’t have the calibre of player these days to attempt a dramatic comeback, and trying to take the game to Liverpool at 2-0 down would have been a dangerous operation with Salah and Mane capable of punishing sides on the break.
As the teams made their way off the field, Newcastle had a better goal difference than six of the 10 teams battling against relegation.
Rafa Benitez knows that could count as an extra point if the relegation battle continues until the very end of the season, and is preparing himself for each eventuality in the Premier League.
During the post-game media duties, Benitez and his players spoke about the bigger picture and it is clear that this season is now likely to be shaped by the next two home games against Southampton and Huddersfield Town.
Three points against the Saints is imperative, with the unhelpful 21-day gap before Huddersfield looming large, because that will be a stretch which may leave Newcastle feeling helpless as other teams look to pick up points and United players take a place on the sidelines.
As expected, the two points thrown away at AFC Bournemouth just a week ago are now looking even more costly, but Benitez can only work with the squad at his disposal.
Twice United’s board had opportunities to act in the summer window and the January trading period, but no chances were taken.
It was a gamble by Ashley and his board not to release extra funds and we’re about to find out if that big risk paid off or not.
As expected, the two points thrown away at AFC Bournemouth just a week ago are now looking even more costly