Things could hardly have gone worse for Liverpool in the first half against Newcastle United.
Knowing they would face a fierce atmosphere at St James’ Park, it was clear right from the outset that they were massively unsettled on the pitch.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was arguably lucky to avoid a red card inside the opening five minutes, getting booked for throwing the ball away before then taking down Anthony Gordon to stop a counterattack. While he avoided punishment on that occasion, he was not so fortunate later in the half.
On that occasion his loose touch would allow Gordon to run in behind, with the winger finishing beyond Alisson to give Newcastle the lead.
This time it was Virgil van Dijk that was punished, receiving a straight red card when he fouled Alexander Isak, with the referee deeming it to be the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
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