Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points as they breezed past Newcastle United 2-0 in another comprehensive victory.
The Reds started quickly at Anfield, with in-form Dominik Szoboszlai tucking past Nick Pope to open the scoring on 11 minutes.
The hosts continued to tick the ball about nicely for the majority of the first half - but that wasn’t to say the opening 45 minutes was devoid of Newcastle threat, with Callum Wilson having a pair of glorious opportunities to draw parity.
Those chances went abegging for the Magpies, who were punished after the break as Alexis Mac Allister fired into the top corner to give Liverpool breathing space - set up by Mohamed Salah, who registered his 42nd goal involvement in 28 league games.
That was enough for Arne Slot’s side to comfortably get over the line in their Carabao Cup final precursor - and with title rivals Arsenal dropping points once again at Nottingham Forest, the win took Liverpool an eye-watering 13 points clear at the Premier League’s pinnacle.
Relive all the action and reaction from Anfield here:
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE
- FULL TIME! Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-0 to move 13 points clear
- Goals from Szoboszlai and Mac Allister see Liverpool take step closer to title
- 63' GOAL! Mac Allister fires to give Liverpool breathing space [LIV 2-0 NEW]
- 11' GOAL! Szoboszlai tucks home to open the scoring at Anfield [LIV 1-0 NEW]
Liverpool FC 2 - 0 Newcastle United FC
Liverpool’s midfield masterclass puts them on brink of Premier League title
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:29 , Richard Jolly, at AnfieldThirteen may be unlucky for some but surely not even misfortune can stop Liverpool now. As Arsenal stumbled, the leaders took another sizeable step towards the title. Thirteen points clear of their closest challengers after Newcastle’s annual defeat at Anfield, it is a question of when, not if.
A chorus of “Liverpool, top of the league,” followed the final whistle at Anfield, leading to another of “We’re going to win the league.” That looks a formality. It is already a mathematical certainty they will finish above Manchester United.
Liverpool’s midfield masterclass puts them on brink of Premier League title
Lewis Hall gives post-match thoughts for Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 23:50 , Will Castle"Straight after the game it's hard to put your finger on what went wrong but I can't fault the work ethic of any of the players of this team,” Hall told Sky Sports.
“We will always give 100% but the goals we conceded were poor from our perspective. Apart from that we did well against a top side.
"I felt like in the box there were a few too many spare players but that's my initial reaction but I'll have to have a look at it.
"We did have chances in the game, a couple early on in the first half which if we put those away we change the outlook of the game.
“We're happy with the physical output and they're a top side. When you get chances you have to bury them and we didn't do that tonight."
Salah reaching heights rarely ever touched
Wednesday 26 February 2025 23:30 , Will CastleMohamed Salah has now assisted 17 goals from open play in the Premier League this season.
Only Thierry Henry in 2002-03 (20) has ever made more in a single campaign.
One of the greatest to ever do it in this league, no doubt.
Liverpool aren't celebrating the title yet, says Szoboszlai
Wednesday 26 February 2025 23:10 , Will Castle“ After mathematically they have no chance to get us [then we’ll start to celebrate],” Szoboszlai told TNT Sports post-match.
“We are really happy that we are 13 points clear, but we will focus on ourselves.
“Now we have the Champions League. Game by game we are looking forward to stay on top.”
Liverpool firing on all fronts
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:50 , Will CastleLiverpool are the first Premier League side to score 100 goals across all competitions this season.
They also have now scored at least two goals in 18 consecutive games at Anfield in all competitions - the longest run of home games with more than one goal scored in succession by an English top-flight club since Sunderland from February-December 1935 (19).
Formidable going forward.
Liverpool move 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:30 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:10 , Will CastleThat’s all she wrote!
Liverpool have won again as goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister help the Reds overcome Newcastle.
They’re now 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:09 , Will Castle90+6 mins: You’ll Never Walk Alone is ringing around Anfield.
All results considered, this has been another near-perfect night for your Premier League champions-elect.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:07 , Will Castle90+3 mins: CLOSE! Cody Gakpo goes for the spectacular overhead kick, but the ball bounces wide.
Darwin Nunez then rushes the Newcastle defenders right away from the goal-kick, a moment the Anfield faithful loved. Maybe Slot’s got through to him.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:05 , Will Castle90 mins: GOAL DISALLOWED! Liverpool have the ball in the net once again, but it won’t count!
The Reds whip in a corner on top of Nick Pope, who jumps to collect under the pressure of Konate - only to spill it and see the ball prodded into the Newcastle net.
Pope is fortunate goalkeepers are protected some much in the lawbook, because there was very little in that.
The board is up. SEVEN minutes added on.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:02 , Will Castle89 mins: Salah once again goes for that outside of the foot shot and comes close to beating Pope, who palms the effort away.
He’s trying to do something special with a trivela.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:00 , Will Castle87 mins: Another double substitution for Liverpool as Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez enter the fray in place of Mac Allister and Diaz.
Nunez’s work-rate has been questioned by Slot over recent weeks, let’s see if he can win his boss back over with a high-energy cameo tonight.
For the Magpies, Sean Longstaff is also on for Guimaraes.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:58 , Will Castle86 mins: Newcastle ticking it around the box as they look to make something of an interesting finale by nicking one back late on.
A dinked delivery goes towards Schar at but the ball bounces off his head and goes out for a goal-kick.
'Slot's finishers charged with ensuring nothing happens'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:55 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“A rare quadruple change from Eddie Howe may have been a sign of his dissatisfaction.
“Slot increasingly seems to see Wataru Endo and Jarell Quansah as his finishers, men to see a game out.
“They have come on together, charged with ensuring nothing happens.”
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:54 , Will Castle80 mins: Liverpool counter from a Newcastle corner with Mo Salah, who drives into the attacking half.
Jacob Murphy tries tugging him back not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times, before finally Salah gives in and the whistle is blow.
First card of the night for Murphy.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:50 , Will Castle76 mins: Another couple of substitutions to speak of, this time for Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold makes way for Jarell Quansah, and Ryan Gravenberch is off Wataru Endo.
Two subs that so often have helped Liverpool get games over the line this season.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:47 , Will Castle73 mins: CLOSE! So close to three for the Reds!
Mo Salah has another run down the left and plays a stunning trivela - a pass he likes to use more and more nowadays - towards the back-post, where Luis Diaz is on-rushing.
Diaz gets there but can’t divert the ball into the net. That would’ve been some goal.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:43 , Will Castle70 mins: Eddie Howe is opting for wholesale changes.
Four substitutions at once as Livramento, Tonali, Willock and Wilson all make way for Trippier, Miley, Barnes and Osula.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:42 , Will Castle65 mins: Newcastle look to quickly get a goal back after the restart as Anthony Gordon dances onto the byline before cutting it back, but no-one in black and white is there to tuck home.
Up the other end, it’s Salah causing the problems again as he evades the challenge of Hall before winning a corner.
This is feeling like a good night for the league leaders.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:37 , Will Castle63 mins: GOAL! WONDERFUL FROM THE REDS!
Newcastle are sloppy in possession and Liverpool are sure to punish, the ball finding Mohamed Salah inside the box.
The Egyptian turns provider to poke it into the path of Mac Allister, who expertly fires into the top corner.
Yet ANOTHER goal contribution for Salah. That’s now 32 in 28. Ludicrous numbers.
Liverpool have breathing space. There’s a celebratory feel at Anfield.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:34 , Will Castle62 mins: Liverpool get a first opportunity to cause some trouble at the Kop end as Alexander-Arnold stands over a free-kick.
However, it goes too deep and is an easy catch for Nick Pope.
Then comes the first change of the evening: Cody Gakpo is on for Diogo Jota.
'We're going to win the league'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:32 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Choruses of ‘Liverpool, top of the league’ and ‘we're going to win the league’ have echoed around Anfield since the news of the final score at Nottingham Forest.
“Even if Arsenal were to win every remaining game this season, they would only get 87 points. Realistically, they probably won't get 80.
“One possibility, perhaps, is the game when Liverpool do win it is when Arsenal visit Merseyside in May.”
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:30 , Will Castle58 mins: Newcastle get another free-kick in a dangerous area and while it doesn’t come to anything, the Magpies are enjoying the territorial advantage at the moment.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:27 , Will Castle55 mins: Newcastle have started this second half on top.
They’re peppering the Liverpool box with crosses, who are penned in at the moment.
Murphy has just fouled Tsimikas on the edge of the box, which will give the hosts a bit of a reprieve.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:26 , Will Castle52 mins: Elsewhere in the title race, Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest has ended as a goalless draw.
It means a Liverpool win today will take them THIRTEEN points clear at the top.
‘Now you’re gonna believe us, we’re gonna win the league’ is ringing around Anfield. Safe to say they’re aware of the result!
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:23 , Will Castle50 mins: We’ve got another two head injuries to deal with as Callum Wilson and Virgil van Dijk clash in the box, with the striker trying to flick on a fierce delivery into the far corner.
Looks like Wilson is bleeding - hopefully that’ll just be a battle scar rather than anything serious.
It was nice movement from Wilson to get in front of the Liverpool skipper, but his header loops high and bounces out for a goal-kick.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:21 , Will Castle49 mins: Szoboszlai is back on his feet and just needs to be patched up. He looks ok.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:19 , Will Castle47 mins: Early free-kick in a shooting position for Newcastle as Tonali goes down off the challenge of Mac Allister.
Anthony Gordon places it down... straight into the wall.
But in a concern for Liverpool, it catches Szoboszlai right in the face, who is now receiving treatment.
BACK UNDERWAY! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:17 , Will Castle46 mins: And we’re off again!
No changes from either manager. Liverpool attacking the Kop.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:11 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:02 , Will CastleLiverpool have the lead at the break, and they’re good value for it.
The Reds started quickly at Anfield, with in-form Dominik Szoboszlai tucking past Nick Pope to open the scoring on 11 minutes.
The hosts continued to tick the ball about nicely for the majority of the half - but that wasn’t to say the first 45 was devoid of Newcastle threat, with Callum Wilson having a pair of glorious opportunities to draw parity.
This is far from over yet for the league leaders, even if Arne Slot’s team talk will be something along the lines of ‘more of the same’.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 21:00 , Will Castle45 mins: One minute added on.
That’s Slot’s signal to begin his lengthy walk to the dressing room.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:59 , Will Castle42 mins: Newcastle launch a ball into the Liverpool box, aiming for the big target of Dan Burn.
Burn clatters with fellow colossus Virgil van Dijk, who lands on the deck awkwardly - maybe knocking the wind out of him.
But fear not Reds fans, we know by this point that Van Dijk is made of sterner stuff and with the help of Burn, he’s back on his feet. Nice show of respect between the two big men.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:57 , Will Castle40 mins: CLOSE! Liverpool are keeping up the pressure on Nick Pope’s goal.
It’s Salah this time who lets fly, getting the ball onto his dynamite left peg on the top right corner of the box before firing a trademark effort towards the far top corner.
Just a bit too high.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:53 , Will Castle36 mins: CLOSE! Szoboszlai comes inches away from his second of the night.
The midfielder runs onto the ball on the edge of the box and tries curling it into that far side-netting, but it flies just wide.
Moments earlier, Nick Pope escaped catastrophe as he booted his clearance against the on-rushing Mo Salah. Luckily for the keeper, it runs out of play rather than into his own net.
'Crossing divides in the technical area'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:50 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Arne Slot is up in the directors' box as he serves the first game of his ban.
“It means the man in charge in the technical area is Johnny Heitinga.
“Not sure when a former Everton player was last in charge of Liverpool (even if not actually).”
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:48 , Will Castle31 mins: CLOSE! Another glorious chance for Callum Wilson.
Wilson gets goalside of Konate and runs in behind. He tries to get control of the bouncing ball, taking a touch with his knee before side-footing an effort wide of the far post.
This time the flag doesn’t go up to spare his blushes. A better finish and that’s parity for the visitors.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:46 , Will Castle29 mins: Another bit of brilliance from Luis Diaz as he wriggles away from the challenges of two or three Newcastle players, before playing it back to Kostas Tsimikas.
The Greek, who has never scored for Liverpool, sees his name in lights and fires an effort goalwards. It blazes high and wide.
Can’t blame him for having a crack!
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:43 , Will Castle26 mins: Anthony Gordon finds himself in space down the right and tries to find a Newcastle shirt in the box, well defended by Konate on the penalty spot.
Then on the break, there’s drama. Jota brings the ball down and is being hugged by Schar to prevent him from running away.
Stuart Attwell takes his time to give the foul - but when he does eventually blow, it’s the moment Jota wriggles away from the Newcastle defenders and has a run at goal from the halfway line.
Another lucky escape for Newcastle. Attwell is not a popular man inside Anfield.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:39 , Will Castle24 mins: Konate leaves Guimaraes in his dust as he embarks on a rare foray into the attacking half.
He slips it to Salah who tries playing Jota in with a wonderful reverse pass, but the ball hits the striker’s heels and the opportunity goes.
Really nice move that.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:37 , Will Castle22 mins: Liverpool counter with numbers as Luis Diaz slips Diogo Jota in with a run towards the box.
Jota tries to find Salah for an easy tap in but Lewis Hall does well just to throw his body at it and block the delivery.
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:35 , Will Castle17 mins: CLOSE! It’s been all Liverpool since Szoboszlai’s opener, but Newcastle very nearly had their equaliser.
Callum Wilson darts in behind and one-on-one with Alisson, he dinks it past the keeper - only for the ball to run past the post.
Luckily for the striker, the flag goes up so it wouldn’t have counted anyway. But either way, it’s a poor miss.
Penny for Alexander Isak’s thoughts...
'The criticism used to be that he didn't score enough'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:32 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Two goals in two games for Dominik Szoboszlai, four in eight.
“The criticism used to be that, for a No 10 at a club like Liverpool, he didn't score enough. After his terrific performance against Manchester City, he is off to a fine start tonight.
“And while Newcastle's tweak of tactics was a search for solidity, they are 1-0 down already.”
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:28 , Will Castle11 mins: GOAL! Liverpool are up and running for the night!
Luis Diaz dribbles into the box from the left before firing a deft pass to Dominik Szoboszlai on the penalty spot, who tucks a shot through two legs and past Nick Pope in goal.
Really can’t understate just how instrumental the Hungarian midfielder has been this season. After a bumpy first season on Merseyside, Arne Slot is truly getting the best out of him.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:25 , Will Castle10 mins: Newcastle finally get an opportunity to break on the counter after early Liverpool dominance.
They’ve got men in black and white surging forward as Murphy receives the ball on the right, but his delivery is poor and goes right over Alisson’s crossbar.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:24 , Will Castle8 mins: Newcastle have got everyone behind the ball at the moment. They’re just letting Liverpool settle more and more into this game.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:21 , Will Castle6 mins: Lovely ball from Salah to try and pick out Diaz in behind, but he’s thwarted by a vital intervention by Schar.
Liverpool pinging the ball about with confidence so far.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:20 , Will Castle3 mins: We’ve got an early penalty claim here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold plays a ball in behind to Mo Salah, who has Lewis Hall with him.
Hall then takes a tumble and brings Salah with him - it looks like a stonewall penalty, but referee Stuart Attwell instead deems it a foul in favour of Newcastle.
Salah looks bewildered. Newcastle have got away with one there.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:16 , Will Castle1 min: KICK-0FF! The heavens have opened and we’re underway at Anfield.
Kick-off fast approaching
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:10 , Will CastleJust a few minutes until kick-off as both sets of teams prepare to step out under the Anfield lights.
Liverpool will be looking to continue full steam ahead after a statement win at Man City on Sunday, chasing down that elusive record-equalling 20th league title.
However, Newcastle won’t go easy, and with aspirations of a Champions League return, they’ll be eager to cause an upset tonight - even if they have to do it without Alexander Isak.
Stay tuned for all the action, right here.
Eddie Howe plays down impact of Arne Slot's touchline ban
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:08 , Will CastleEddie Howe isn’t banking on Arne Slot’s absence on the touchline making the difference for tonight’s clash at Anfield.
“I wish that would be a deciding factor in the game, but I don't think it will,” Howe told TNT Sports.
“I think a manager can have a certain degree of influence through the game, but it's the players that make the difference.
“I'm just looking for my players to perform to their maximum.”
Match facts
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:05 , Chris WilsonLiverpool have scored at least twice in each of their last 17 home games in all competitions.
Mo Salah has scored four goals in last two Premier League games against Newcastle, netting a brace in both.
Alexander Isak has scored 10 away goals in the Premier League this season – only Andrew Cole (12 in 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (11 in 2001-02) have netted more on the road in a single campaign for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe provides Isak injury update
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:03 , Will CastleAlexander Isak is out of tonight’s clash with Liverpool due to a groin issue - but luckily for Newcastle, Eddie Howe has quelled any fears that the injury is serious.
“It’s really disappointing that we lose Alex, but he's a player that we can't take any risks with,” Howe told TNT Sports.
“It became apparent in the last day or so after the last game that he was just feeling something, so he misses out today.
“It's a big blow because he's been so good for us this season. We don't know [how long he’ll be out] at the moment but we don't think it's serious at all.
“Part of our mind is to try and keep him available for the following games we have.”
What could a Champions League spot mean for Newcastle?
Wednesday 26 February 2025 20:00 , Chris WilsonWith the Magpies chasing a Champions League spot for the second time in three seasons, it’s worth considering what a place in Europe’s premier cup competition could bring the club.
Since the Saudi takeover in 2021, the club have seen Champions League football just once, in the 2023/24 season, where they failed to make it out of the groups despite recording a couple of famous results.
And this season, with interest surrounding Alexander Isak and questions in some areas surrounding the ‘success’ of the ownership so far, Champions League football could provide an especially important key to future success.
As well as potentially helping to keep key players for at least another season, a place in the competition would also allow Newcastle increased revenues and the ability to spend more in the summer – something that could be key to PSR and the longer-term assembly of a squad capable of regularly challenging for trophies.
Match facts
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:50 , Chris WilsonSince losing their first Premier League home game against Newcastle 2-0 in April 1994, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 28 against the Magpies at Anfield in the competition (W23 D5).
Newcastle are winless in their last 16 Premier League games against Liverpool (D5 L11) since a 2-0 win in December 2015 under Steve McClaren.
The numbers behind Mohamed Salah’s ‘special’ season rivalling Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo peak
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:45 , Chris WilsonAnother week, another record. Mohamed Salah took his extraordinary season to further heights with a goal and assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City, a result that takes the Reds a step closer to winning just a second league title in 35 years.
Salah’s 25th Premier League goal and 16th assist of the campaign means he is on course to smash the current record, held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, for the most Premier League goal involvements in a single season. At 32, and with his Liverpool contract running out in the summer, Salah’s form is better than ever and the Egyptian is being driven on by his motivation of adding a second Premier League crown.
“Maybe people prefer my first seasons or now, but I prefer now because winning the league, helping the young players. It is special,” he told Sky Sports after Liverpool opened up an 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League. “We need another title.”
The numbers behind Salah’s ‘special’ season rivalling Messi and Ronaldo peak
Head-to-head
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:40 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have played out one of the Premier League’s most entertaining rivalries over the years, and they have met 163 times in the past.
Liverpool have won 80 of these previous games, with the Magpies winning 42 and 41 ending as draws.
Earlier this season, the two clubs played out one of the games of the season in a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park.
Liverpool vs Newcastle brings Carabao Cup final preview
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:35 , Chris WilsonFor those who don’t remember, it is these two sides who will contesting the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on 16 March.
Liverpool beat Spurs to earn their Wembley places while Newcastle dispatched Arsenal over two legs, and the two clubs will now contest the first silverware of the season as the Magpies look to end a 70-year trophy drought.
Liverpool won the League Cup last season when they beat Chelsea, and Arne Slot will hope this final can give the Reds added impetus – and a first trophy of his tenure – ahead of the title run-in.
Nevertheless, as evidenced by the match between the two at St James, Newcastle can cause plenty of problems for Slot’s side, and the emotion of potentially ending their trophy drought could well take them to their first major trophy since 1955.
When can Liverpool win the Premier League title?
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:25 , Chris WilsonLiverpool’s statement 2-0 win over Manchester City at the weekend has been hailed in some corners as the win that essentially wrapped up the 2024/25 Premier League title.
The result extended the Reds’ lead at the top of the league to 11 points with 11 games left to play, and though Arsenal have a game in hand, it does not look like Arne Slot’s side – who have lost just once all season – will relinquish such a sizeable lead.
The Reds need just 26 points out of a possible 33, with Arsenal only able to obtain a maximum of 89 points – if they were to win all of their remaining 12 games, that is.
Liverpool fans may still be looking over their shoulders with some nerves, but the truth is that the club is edging towards another top-flight title – but when is the earliest that they could clinch number 20?
Liverpool won’t be distracted by Arsenal’s results in title race, Arne Slot insists
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:15 , Chris WilsonArne Slot says Liverpool cannot get wrapped up in what title rivals Arsenal are doing as the Premier League leaders continue preparations for Sunday’s tough trip to Manchester City.
The Reds have an eight-point cushion at the top of the standings following Wednesday’s hard-fought 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
But Arsenal, who have a game in hand, can cut that advantage before Liverpool take to the field at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool won’t be distracted by Arsenal’s results in title race, Arne Slot insists
Alexander Isak misses out through injury
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:13 , Will CastleThe big news from tonight’s team news is that Alexander Isak misses out for Newcastle tonight through injury.
The club have described the issue as a ‘slight groin problem’ on X, so Eddie Howe will surely be hopeful that his leading goalscorer can make a comeback for their FA Cup clash against Brighton on Sunday.
Nevertheless, a huge blow for the Magpies - who are now without their key source of firepower against the league leaders.
'A couple of significant absentees tonight'
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:11 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“A couple of significant absentees at Anfield tonight.
“No Arne Slot, who starts a touchline ban, for Liverpool and no Alexander Isak, who has a slight groin problem, for Newcastle.
“So it is a big night for Callum Wilson, who makes a belated first start of an injury-hit season.
“In one respect, it is a bigger night for Newcastle than Liverpool: Eddie Howe's team are caught up in the traffic of the crowded race for the fourth and fifth Champions League spots.
“Liverpool will have a comfortable lead at the end of the night, whatever happens.”
Liverpool vs Newcastle: Confirmed team news
Wednesday 26 February 2025 19:06 , Will CastleLiverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Elliot, Robertson, Quansah.
Up the Reds ✊🔴 #LIVNEW
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 26, 2025
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Wilson, Gordon.
Subs: Dubravka, Ruddy, Trippier, Barnes, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff, Miley.
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! 👊 pic.twitter.com/0VTHAMbSAr
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 26, 2025
Newcastle targeting a return to Champions League football
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:45 , Chris WilsonNewcastle sit in fifth place ahead of the midweek matches, with Eddie Howe’s side on track for Champions League football thanks to their win over Forest at the weekend.
The Magpies trail fourth-placed Man City on goal difference alone, and though they themselves are only a point ahead of Chelsea and Bournemouth (and one ahead of Aston Villa) they will be confident that they can earn a place in the top five come May.
While there is plenty to come with 12 matches left, the Magpies also have a fairly kind run of fixtures, with four of their remaining games coming against sides in the bottom six.
At the other end of the table, their match against Chelsea on 10 May could be crucial in securing a top four (or five) place.
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures - Liverpool or Arsenal?
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:35 , Chris WilsonLiverpool are starting to believe that the Premier League is heading back to Anfield after the leaders won away at Manchester City to open up an 11-point lead over Arsenal in the title race.
A statement 2-0 victory at the Etihad, coupled with Arsenal’s defeat at home to West Ham, means Arne Slot’s side have one hand on the title with 11 games to go this season.
Although the manager played down the importance of their lead, seven of Liverpool’s remaining games are an home and the away supporters at the Etihad were signing about the title returning to Anfield for just the second time in 35 years after a first Premier League win at Manchester City since 2015.
There is still plenty of time for Arsenal to hunt Liverpool down, but the title race appears to be entering a decisive stretch of fixtures up until the March international break. It’s been an unpredictable year, so expect further twists and turns before May.
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures - Liverpool or Arsenal?
Liverpool’s statement victory over Man City makes one thing clear
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:25 , Chris WilsonThe report from the Etihad...
Mind the gap. It looks unbridgeable now: 11 points to Arsenal, a barely credible 20 to Manchester City. A title race that began with City as red-hot favourites could be almost over before February is. The dominant team this season, Liverpool were vastly superior at the Etihad Stadium.
With Arne Slot borrowing from Pep Guardiola’s tactical blueprint to outwit the master with his twin false nines, with the magnificent Mohamed Salah underlining his credentials to win the individual awards, with Dominik Szoboszlai delivering perhaps the finest display of his Liverpool career, with Virgil van Dijk marshalling a defence that had conceded too often in the last two-and-a-half months to deliver a display of defiance, this felt like the victory that ended any doubt. A 20th league title is bound for Anfield.
Liverpool’s statement victory over Man City makes one thing clear
Prediction
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:15 , Chris WilsonAs with the return fixture, this match should provide plenty of intensity and quality in a close encounter. At this point, all Liverpool have to do is avoid losses, so they may not quite go all-out as there Magpies visit.
Liverpool 2-2 Newcastle.
Predicted line-ups
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:10 , Chris WilsonLiverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota.
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Team news
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:05 , Chris WilsonFor Newcastle, Joelinton and Sven Botman are the only long-term injuries, with nothing new to report after the win over Nottingham Forest.
Sandro Tonali could return to the side in midfield ahead of Lewis Miley, with the rest of the side likely to stay the same as they face the league leaders.
Team news
Wednesday 26 February 2025 18:00 , Chris WilsonArne Slot has no new injury concerns after the win over City, though Conor Bradley is not expected to return in time for this one. Joe Gomez also remains out.
Cody Gakpo made his return for the Reds at the weekend, so he could be fit to start on the left.
Is Liverpool vs Newcastle on TV?
Wednesday 26 February 2025 17:50 , Chris WilsonWhen is Liverpool vs Newcastle?
The match kicks off at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, 26 February at Anfield.
How can I watch the match?
The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6.30pm. Subscribers can also watch online or on the discovery+ app.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE
Wednesday 26 February 2025 17:40 , Chris WilsonLiverpool face Newcastle in the Premier League tonight, with the hosts looking to maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the table.
Arne Slot’s side eased to an impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City last week to take a huge step closer to a 20th top-flight title, and tonight they face one of the most difficult tests from their remaining games as they welcome Newcastle to Anfield.
Eddie Howe’s side earned a dramatic 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest last week, and they come into the game firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, in fifth place and level on points with City in fourth.
These two sides played out one of the games of the season in a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park in December, though a repeat of that result favours one side far more than the other tonight.
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE
Wednesday 26 February 2025 17:30 , Chris WilsonGood evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s match between Liverpool and Newcastle in the Premier League.
Leaders Liverpool managed to open up an 11-point gap at the top last week, and tonight they face a Newcastle side who are chasing Champions League qualification.
We’ll have all the latest updates, team news and build-up right here.
