Newcastle United must be kicking themselves for letting victory slip away in their away clash against Crystal Palace (1:1), but given their forward play, a defeat was all they really deserved. Liverpool, on the other hand, triumphed in the marquee match of the first round against Manchester City, moving 11 points clear of them and nine points ahead of their nearest rivals.
In the game against Crystal Palace, Newcastle managed not a single shot on target but somehow led until the 94th minute. This came down to a creative free kick set-up and a superb cross from Anthony Gordon, which caused an own goal by the opposition. It was the only bright moment for Newcastle that day. Apart from one off-target shot and numerous missed chances, it was all Newcastle had to show, with Dan Burn making a crucial goal-line clearance in the 62nd minute. Add to that their 0:2 home defeat to West Ham United in the 12th round and poor attack, and there is cause for concern against the league frontrunners.
Liverpool, the merciless leader, particularly against their chief irritants, secured a 2:0 victory over Manchester City. However, the Anfield match could easily have ended in a rout: the hosts recorded an xG of 3.57 and nearly twenty shots (18). Overall, the Merseysiders have dropped just 5 points out of a possible 39. Their Champions League campaign is equally impressive, with Liverpool being the only club to have maintained a perfect record after five rounds.
Liverpool appear unstoppable, particularly against Newcastle United, who are not at their best. While Newcastle might hold out for a time, perhaps a half or an hour, they are likely to fall again in front of their home fans.
