Mo Salah Bags Brace as Liverpool Thrash Newcastle United to Extend Lead at EPL Top [VIDEO HIGHLIGHT]

Liverpool have tightened their grip on Premier League top spot with an emphatic win over Newcastle United at Anfield, LC Soccer Reports.

The last time Newcastle United edged out Liverpool at Anfield was in 1994. Going into the match, the Magpies faced a tough task trying to reverse a 27-match winless against Liverpool at Anfield.

Meanwhile, it has been a miserable festive run for the top four hopefuls, having lost four of their last five Premier League games, including defeats to relegation-threatened Luton Town and Nottingham Forest.

Salah missed first Liverpool spotkick: Image Credit: Getty Images

Liverpool, on the other hand, had a golden to chance to extend the lead on top of the table after finishing 2023 at the summit thanks to back-to-back defeats for title challengers Arsenal.

As expected, Liverpool started the game on the front foot, dominating proceedings, and looking for an early opener. The Reds rile up pressure on the visitors. Newcastle United goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka made a series of clinical saves to deny the hosts, including a fiery spotkick from Mo Salah.

Newcastle United made no clearcut attempt on goal as Liverpool continued with a dominant spell throughout the game. However, they were able to put the ball at the back of the net after a counter attack but the goal was ruled off as offside.

Liverpool also found the back of the net but had the goal chalked off as offside as well after VAR check.

Newcastle scores diving header but first goal was ruled out for offside: Source: Getty Images

The game was finely poised on a 0-0 draw before Liverpool had the chance to take the lead after Newcastle United player clipped down Luis Diaz in the box.

A penalty was awarded and Mo Salah stepped out to take it. Martin Dubravka perfectly read his moves and saved the spotkick gallantly after the Egyptian fired straight on the diving goalie.

At the interval, it was still barren with both sides unable to break the goal deadlock.

It was a rain of goals in the second half as Liverpool make amends for their wasteful chances in the first half.

Five minutes into the second half, Salah atone for his missed penalty to give the Reds the lead but Newcastle United fought back to equalise in the 54th minute through Aleksander Isak.

Curtis Jones restored the lead again for the Reds in the 74th minute. Cody Gakpo extended it four minutes later to make it 3-1 but Newcastle United weren’t ready to budge.

Salah and Gakpo celebrates goal for Liverpool: Image Credit: Getty Images

Sves Botman reduced the deficit for the Magpies with an 83rd-munute goal to restore comeback hopes.

However, the visitors were dealt the final blow when they conceded a late spotkick and Salah took it again. This time, the deadly winger beat Martin Dubravka to score.

The match ended with Liverpool running out with an emphatic 4-2 victory.

With the win, the Merseyside club have 45 points, 2 points clear of Aston Villa, and 5 points clear of third-placed Arsenal.

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