EPL: Salah’s brace helps Liverpool beat Newcastle to open up 3-point lead.
After playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Newcastle, which gave them a three-point lead in the English Premier League, Mohamed Salah left for the Africa Cup of Nations.
In a wild and rainy game at Anfield, Salah scored Liverpool’s first and last goals and assisted on the other two, capping an individual effort that began with his most recent miss from the penalty spot. The second half was end-to-end for all of the goals.
Luis Diaz was tripped by Botman, and Martin Dubravka saved Salah’s first penalty. In his nine previous efforts, that marked his fourth try at the spot to fail.
Rebounding, he scored his 150th league goal for Liverpool in the 49th minute, capping a team effort by setting up Diogo Jota for a tap-in and then playing a pass with the outside of his left foot for Gakpo to finish.
After Dubravka knocked Jota down in the 86th, the game-winning fourth goal was scored. The crowd informed Jurgen Klopp that Salah’s penalty had been successful, but he was unable to see it, and during the post-match celebrations, he momentarily misplaced his wedding band.