Anthony Gordon helped Newcastle United score at one end, then did his best to stop Liverpool doing the same at the other. However, his efforts were in vein.
Liverpool beat Newcastle United 4-2 on New Year’s Day, securing all three points with a convincing performance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
It was a frustrating game that ended on a sour note for Newcastle, who received a major setback so soon after getting themselves back into the game.
The Magpies were really poor at Anfield, but when Sven Botman halved the deficit and made it 3-2 with about 10 minutes to go there was some belief that Eddie Howe’s side could snatch a point.
However, that was never going to happen once Mo Salah made it 4-2 from the spot, converting a penalty that was controversially awarded after Diogo Jota’s dive.
Salah had already missed one penalty, with Martin Dubravka saving his effort from 12 yards in the first half.
Dubravka stood firm for Salah’s first penalty, making a rather routine save after an awful spot kick from the Egypt international.
The Liverpool forward did not make the same mistake twice, going the opposite way to send Dubravka the wrong way.
Anthony Gordon told Martin Dubravka to dive the wrong way as Mo Salah made it 4-2
He also sent Anthony Gordon the wrong way, as replays of the goal showed Gordon telling Dubravka to dive to his left just moments before Salah took his penalty. Dubravka did dive that way, only for Salah to find the opposite corner.
Whether or not the Newcastle goalkeeper’s decision was influenced by Gordon’s pointing, the outcome was the same.
Gordon got it wrong, on a night where not a lot went right for him. His best moment was the assist for Alexander Isak, which came after he moved over to the left flank.
The 22-year-old played the majority of the game on the right and massively struggled to influence proceedings.
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