The Reds aren’t so good that opponents must do something phenomenal in order to beat them, but Newcastle went ahead and did it anyway.
Liverpool’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle on Sunday delivered a cold dose of reality to those predicting the Reds would rise straight to the top under manager Jurgen Klopp. The Magpies were spirited and somewhat fortunate for all but the first few minutes of the contest. Liverpool was flat for the same duration. It didn’t matter Liverpool’s players are on average more talented than Newcastle’s. Neither did Liverpool’s considerable momentum and Newcastle’s lack of it.
The game might have ended in a goal-less draw on another day, but Newcastle was playing for its Premier League survival amid its worst start to a season since 1988-89. Manager Steve McClaren’s job also is thought to be on the line. That extra motivation and raucous support at St. James’ Park gave Newcastle enough of an edge to bring it onto level terms with an off-day Liverpool.
So why did Liverpool lose?
Probably due to the same quality Klopp says will push Liverpool forward: Work. Not dreams of glory. Work.
Newcastle out-ran a Liverpool team that has been sprinting toward Premier League, Capital One Cup and UEFA Europa League success for the last two months.
That the Reds exert so much energy every game is a principle reason for their progress under Klopp and their just-ended, four-game winning streak. The new Reds usually are good enough to beat struggling teams even when they’re not at peak tactical, mental and technical sharpness. They can beat the league’s best teams when everything clicks.
Klopp readily admitted nothing clicked against Newcastle. And since nothing was working for Liverpool, and Newcastle was running harder and farther, the hosts earned what they deserved, as Klopp also concedes.
Whether other teams will copy this blueprint for beating Liverpool remains to be seen. Other sides undoubtedly will try to marry their own qualities and ideals with graft. We’ll have to observe whether they strike the right balance, or Klopp and his staff redress it.
On its own, the Newcastle loss doesn’t represent more than a bad outing. This setback heralds a new challenge Liverpool must overcome in order to continue developing.
The Reds will look to react forcefully Thursday against FC Sion and Sunday against West Brom. They should keep in mind more teams will bring their extra gear when playing Klopp’s side.
Liverpool should always bring its extra bit of energy for the rare occasion when it has nothing else on which to rely.
LFC-Newcastle Wrap: Reds fall to inspired Magpies >>
Thumbnail photo via LiverpoolFC.com
