Liverpool defeats Newcastle 1-0: Naby Keita strikes the winning goal
Liverpool won against Newcastle 1-0 in a Premier League match at St. James' Park on April 30, 2022. Naby Keïta scored the only goal of the game.
Liverpool's Naby Keita (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mates Andrew Robertson (left) and Luis Diaz (right)
The victory pushed Liverpool to the top of the Premier League charts for the afternoon before returning to the second spot after Manchester City's 4-0 win against Leeds United. It was a tense win for Liverpool as they failed to make to most out of several opportunities despite dominating the other side for most of the match.
Naby Keïta was the sole goal scorer of the match, with one goal scored in the 19th minute.
Newcastle started aggressively and immediately started pressuring the Liverpool defence. Diogo Jota, Keita and Virgil van Dijk managed to find chances to open the scoring for Liverpool but failed before Guinean midfielder Naby Keïta eventually opened the scoring with a fiery shot into the open goal after a brilliant display of one-two passing with Diogo Jota.
Newcastle got close to scoring the equalizer when Miguel Almiron sent the ball into the net in the 40th minute with a wide shot past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, but the flag was up for offside.
Liverpool worked hard in an attempt to widen the lead. But Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka put forth an excellent display to keep his team in the game. He made multiple memorable saves, including deflecting Diogo Jota's powerful shot over the bar.
Liverpool controlled 67% of the ball and took 24 shots compared to 33% possession and four shots by Newcastle. However, Newcastle did not flinch despite Liverpool's dominance on the field. Bruno Guimarães got an opportunity to score the equalizer in the 87th minute when he found space on the edge of the box. Still, his low shot was covered by Allison Becker, securing the victory for Liverpool.
After the match, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said, "The impact we have from the bench in games is outstanding, but now it's coming from the bench before a game. We expect a lot, but the boys have to deliver, and it's exceptional: Joe Gomez, what a fun, Naby Keita, what a game, James Milner, what a game. Diogo Jota -- oh my god, what a game. Joel Matip, as well.