Liverpool came into this Premier League weekend as the only side with a perfect record, having won all four of their league games so far. With Manchester City two points behind the Reds, this was an early chance to put pressure on their title rivals. Newcastle United had managed to pick up an away win at Spurs, but apart from that, the Magpies had struggled to show anything to suggest that they would not be fighting a relegation battle this season. Nevertheless, it is games like these which had been Liverpool’s undoing in the title race last season, and therefore Jürgen Klopp needed his side to deliver all three points to maintain their momentum. This tactical analysis piece will look at both sides’ tactics and how they influenced the result.
Lineups
Klopp elected to rest Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson after their international commitments, with Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain coming into the side instead. Adrián continued in goal in the injury-enforced absence of first-choice Alisson.
Steve Bruce sent his side out in a 5-4-1 formation, with Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth as the wing-backs. Jonjo Shelvey started against his previous side due to Sean Longstaff’s injury, while Christian Atsu and Miguel Almirón were the attacking midfielders tasked with supporting Joelinton.
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Artwork by @chapulana
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