Match Thread: Newcastle v Liverpool

[Toondes]

Is it just me or does Schaefer literally look like he doesn’t give a f***?

[Colly]

It feels like there's some method, with Murphy and Yedlin providing some pace to actually pin them back a bit rather than just absorbing 10 attackers all game. We've looked the better side and Wilson's making some great runs.

[CIH]

That's literally the game plan. People, myself included, spoke out against Benitez setting up to protect the goal difference, but this is something else. I've never seen a top flight manager seemingly happy to play for a 1-0 loss at best, regardless of opposition.

I mean, Benitez literally did this against Man City.

Missing out my intentional caveat there Benitez would at least target games, Bruce plays like that regardless.

[Donkey Toon]

Fantastic save Darlow!

[Speedo]

I tell you what. This game might be awful and embarrassing. But an evening fixture with Jon Champion commentating... it’s the 2002 Champions League second group stage in my mind

I really like Ally McCoist too, unusual to have a cheerful commentator for once.

He talks about football like a sommelier talks about wine. Glorious. He just enjoys it so much.

[Toondes]

Playing better than we have in weeks. Still no meaningful possession or a shot on target but it’s not as s*** as normal

[Toondes]

Oooh shot on target

[Toondes]

Matty Longstaff never stops running. Breaking up a lot of play.

[Colly]

Matty Longstaff never stops running. Breaking up a lot of play.

It's meant Hayden has been able to get forward more too, vastly more dynamic pairing.

[Bodacious Benny]

Matty Longstaff never stops running. Breaking up a lot of play.

Yeah I just came on to say that, he adds some much needed energy to midfield. He’s also made a couple of decent tackles/interceptions and played the good pass through to Wilson for his chance. Hopefully he’s given a run of games.

Quite happy with the first half, a few half chances and the likes of Yedlin, Murphy, Hayden pressing forward. If we can get the ball on the ground to Wilson he’s clearly got the beating of Phillips (but not in the air).

[Toondes]

Haha joelinton is absolute horse s***- I’m sure he nearly kicked himself in the face there trying an overhead kick

[Toondes]

Wilson has been in top form tonight like. Fernandez has been very very good too so far

[overseasTOON]

Joelinton nearly pulled off a unicycle.

[Toondes]

Sky Sports’ Adam Bate:

“The stats show that Matty Longstaff has covered the most ground of anyone on the pitch tonight. Working so hard to keep closing down in that midfield.”

[Donkey Toon]

Riding our luck a bit now. Only a matter of time unless we improve.

[Donkey Toon]

Sky Sports’ Adam Bate:

“The stats show that Matty Longstaff has covered the most ground of anyone on the pitch tonight. Working so hard to keep closing down in that midfield.”

I spent 10 minutes watching him and he never stopped moving, except when the ball had gone dead and was waiting for freekick or corner etc to be taken. Pretty impressive.

[Colback's Orange Tufts]

Yedlin has impressed me tonight. Covered Robinson well

[overseasTOON]

Defending getting a tad more desperate now.

[Donkey Toon]

Clark unlucky!

[overseasTOON]

Great clearance!