Arne Slot needs to learn from mistakes vs Newcastle ahead of potential Anthony Gordon problem
Liverpool have concerns ahead of their trip to face Newcastle United.
Arne Slot’s side scraped past Bournemouth 4-2 in the end last time out, needing late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to see off the Cherries.
Liverpool’s defensive issues were on full display again, with Ibrahima Konate struggling at the heart of defence, in particular.
Crystal Palace were able to expose the Champions’ defending in transition in the Community Shield at Wembley, and Bournemouth exploited it to its full potential.
Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Monday night looking to make it two wins from two, but a familiar face will be looking to exploit Liverpool’s leaky backline.
Anthony Gordon could haunt Liverpool again
In the last two trips to St. James’ Park, Anthony Gordon has terrorised Liverpool’s right-hand side.
Former Reds youngster Gordon has scored in both games against his boyhood club, with Jarell Quansah notably being victim to the winger’s rapid pace and trickery in last season’s thrilling 3-3 draw.
With Alexander Isak currently attempting to force a move to Liverpool, the former Everton man has been forced to play as a false nine due to Newcastle having no other striker available.
Arne Slot will know about Gordon’s record in this fixture and will need to make sure his centre-halves can cope with his pace, something they were unable to do against Antoine Semenyo.
Liverpool cannot rely on poor finishing to bail them out
Although Liverpool were victorious against Bournemouth in the end, the Cherries had multiple chances to score, which were wasted by the Cherries’ attack, many of which were gifted by the Reds backline.
Newcastle know the pride that is at stake, given the Isak situation, and will want to make sure that they don’t allow the Champions to come in and stroll to three points.
| Newcastle United vs Aston Villa | Stats |
| Goals | 0 |
| Expected goals | 1.44 |
| Shots | 16 |
| Shots on target | 3 |
| Big chances | 2 |
Eddie Howe will be looking to make the game as difficult as possible for the Reds to settle into, and if their attackers are at their potent best, then Liverpool could be in trouble come Monday night.
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