Former Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas says he believes Jurgen Klopp was braced for a tough match but the Magpies 'just didn't turn up' for yesterday's 1-0 defeat.
Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Liverpool at St James' Park yesterday, the goal coming from Naby Keita. If it had not been for some excellent goalkeeping by Martin Dubravka the scoreline could have been worse.
It was up front though that the difference was most evident, with Liverpool's forwards creating chance after chance, while Newcastle failed to penetrate. Striker Chris Wood had been dropped to the bench, but even when he was brought on the team could not make the ball stick when it went forward.
READ MORE: Lee Ryder's notes on Newcastle after 1-0 loss to Liverpool
Speaking on Match of the Day, Gary Lineker: "Not sure they need it obviously, I don't think people are getting too ahead of themselves even at Newcastle, but a bit of a reality check."
Jenas replied: "A little bit. I think like you said, first and foremost we've got to appreciate how good a job that Newcastle, Eddie Howe and those players have done to get themselves into the situation that they're in. I just felt today was one of those games, I looked at Jurgen Klopp's mannerisms throughout the game and he looked to me like this was one of those games that he had earmarked as the one that could be a tricky one, and Newcastle just didn't turn up.
"I think between now and the end of the season – not that Eddie Howe doesn't know – but it's a good opportunity for him to to understand the areas that he's lacking a lot. The quality element was very visible today.
"There was a distinct lack of it at the top end of the pitch. Players like Saint-Maximin have done a great job for Newcastle. Starting to look at a few bits and pieces...
Lineker then interrupted with a very simple assessment: "Well, Liverpool have got better players."
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy also provided some analysis of his former side's use of the offside trap, which caught out Newcastle's forwards time and again. Murphy said: "They do this so often. Nine times today, more than any other game this season. It's brave, sometimes risky people say, but it works for them."
You can watch the full programme here.
