Mane At The Double As Liverpool Go Five Points Clear

Sadio Mane scored twice as Liverpool made it five wins out five with victory over Newcastle to temporarily go five points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League table.

Liverpool started brightly by dominating possession in the early stages but it was Newcastle who took a shock lead inside the opening ten minutes through Jetro Williams.

A long ball was brought down nicely by Christian Atsu to set up Jetro Williams who then cuts into his right to fire an unstoppable shot past Adrian and stun the Anfield crowd.

The goal brought Liverpool to life and they almost hit back instantly through Oxlade Chamberlain, but his shot was just wide off the post.

The Reds continued to threaten the Newcastle goal and should have had a penalty when Joel Matip was held back by Jamaal Lascelles in the box, but Andre Mariner failed to give anything.

However, that did not affect Liverpool as they got back on level terms courtesy a fine finish from Sadio Mane. Receiving a ball from Andy Robertson, the Senegalese international cuts into his right to fire into the top corner.

With Anfield now alive after that equaliser, Liverpool pushed forward as they search for the lead and almost did, but Emil Krafth was able to clear a dangerous ball from Joel Matip.

The Reds suffered a minor setback as Divock Origi was taken off with a suspected hamstring. But it turned out to be a blessing for Liverpool, as his replacement, Roberto Firmino came on to set up Sadio Mane’s second goal of the day.

After Christian Atsu gave away the ball in Newcastle’s half, Roberto Firmino picked it up to play a through ball to Mane who shouldn’t have gotten to it, but Martin Dubravka fumbles it, which allowed Mane to slot into an open net.

Despite taking the lead for the first time in the again, Liverpool continued to dominate as Newcastle looked bereft of ideas.  But Mane’s second of the day was the last real chance of the opening half as Reds went into the break with the lead.

The second half with Newcastle having the first real chance of the match through Emil Krafth who was set up by Christian Atsu but the Sweden international could not keep his effort low.

But that was as good it gets for the Magpies as Liverpool dominated from that moment onward. A blocked shot from Oxlade Chamberlain fell into the path of Firmino but the Brazilian’s effort was once again saved by Martin Dubravka.

However, Liverpool will not be denied as third as Salah also got on the scoresheet. It was Firmino who was the provider again, beating a defender, before setting up Salah for a fine finish.

Liverpool had more chances to extend their lead but Newcastle defended well to keep the scoreline respectable. The Reds are now five points clear ahead of Man City who play Norwich later in the day.