Alexander Isak refused to train or play to force a transfer, leaving Newcastle without their talisman and creating uncertainty over the central striking role. St James' Park produced a raucous atmosphere as Newcastle dominated long spells and created the best chance when Anthony Gordon headed over from Harvey Barnes' cross in the 28th minute. Liverpool took the lead seven minutes later when Ryan Gravenberch fired in off the left-hand post from the edge of the area. Just before half-time Gordon was initially booked but, after a pitchside review, Simon Hooper upgraded the decision to a straight red for contact with Virgil Van Dijk's Achilles, leaving Newcastle a man down and with a significant attacking problem.
That made for a raucous atmosphere at St James' Park, where Newcastle were in control for long periods, Gordon wasting their best chance in the 28th minute when he headed over from Harvey Barnes' left-wing cross. Gravenberch punished that profligacy seven minutes later, Liverpool's returning midfielder silencing the home crowd by firing in off the left-hand post from the edge of the area.
Yet the home fans were brought to life again just before half-time, albeit in fury as false nine Gordon was shown red by Simon Hooper for a rash challenge on Virgil Van Dijk. Hooper had originally shown Gordon a yellow card. However, after a pitchside review, he ruled that Gordon's contact with Van Dijk's Achilles represented serious foul play, and he upgraded the sanction to a straight red.
Collection
[
|
...
]