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Liverpool 4–1 Newcastle: Selection Gamble Fails as Anfield Exposes Growing Concerns BUT it's not all bad
- Chris "The American Mag"
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
Newcastle United’s 4–1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was not just a bad result. It was a performance that raised uncomfortable questions about selection, game management, and where this team truly stands right now.
There is no sugar-coating it. This was not good enough.
A Risky Call That Backfired
From the first whistle, the biggest talking point was Eddie Howe’s decision to start the match without a recognised centre-forward. Three fit options, Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, and William Osula, all sat on the bench while Anthony Gordon led the line.
To be fair to Gordon, he played well for the opening 20 to 30 minutes. Newcastle pressed aggressively, pushed Liverpool back, and created moments where the game could have swung in their favour. But football at Anfield is ruthless. Miss chances there, and you pay for it.
That is exactly what happened.
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Liverpool, a side not even operating at the level expected of title contenders this season, punished Newcastle with frightening ease. Their goals felt effortless. One moment Newcastle were stretched, the next the ball was in the back of the net. Ekitike, in particular, found it far too easy to score against a defence that looked wide open and disorganised.
Missed Chances and Momentum Lost
Harvey Barnes’ free-kick crashing off the post summed it up perfectly. If that goes in, it is a different game. Different pressure, different atmosphere, different outcome. But it did not. Once again, Newcastle found themselves chasing a game they should never have allowed to slip so easily.
This is the recurring problem. Newcastle do not take their moments, and elite sides, even underperforming ones, do not need many invitations.
Midfield Balance Without Control
There were reasons behind several selection choices. Dan Burn deserved his place after his performance
against PSG. Jacob Ramsey earned his start based on recent form and the absence of Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães through injury. Sandro Tonali, as always, was selected because he provides balance others simply do not.
Tonali did not have a strong night, but neither did anyone else. His role is often thankless. Covering ground, filling gaps, doing the unseen work. When the whole team collapses around him, even that influence gets drowned out.
Criticism aimed solely at Burn or Malick Thiaw feels misplaced. Trippier struggled. Ramsey struggled. The defensive unit as a whole struggled. This was not an individual failure. It was collective.
Late Changes That Changed Nothing
By the time the centre-forwards were finally introduced, the game was already gone. It is hard to judge them fairly when momentum is dead and Liverpool are coasting. That said, it still begs the question. Why wait so long?
The late introduction of Alex Murphy in the closing minutes only added to the confusion. Throwing a young player into a game that is already decided achieves nothing. No rhythm. No development. No impact. It felt pointless.
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Watch our Match Reaction here: What a SPANKING! LIVERPOOL 4-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED | Fan Phone in
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The Bigger Picture Is the Real Worry
Newcastle now sit 10th in the Premier League. Mid-table, dead centre. That is not where this club should be, not with the ambition, investment, and expectations surrounding it.
Look at the table and it becomes even more uncomfortable. Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Aston Villa, all above Newcastle. Villa, who have not spent anywhere near what Newcastle have, continue to progress while Newcastle talk about PSR limitations.
Sunderland level on points does not help the mood either.
The Wolves match looms large now. That was a missed opportunity. Rotation could have helped then. Instead, Newcastle arrive at Anfield start well BUT then turn leggy, and short of ideas.
Game Management Under the Microscope
This match reinforced a growing concern among fans. Eddie Howe’s in-game management. When players are not performing, changes come too late. When games are slipping, control is not regained quickly enough.
Those opening 30 minutes showed what Newcastle can be. But football matches last 90 minutes, not half an hour.
Until Newcastle learn how to manage games, protect leads, and adapt quicker, these types of defeats will keep happening, especially away from home.
Final Thought
This was not just a loss. It was a reminder.
Newcastle United are at a crossroads between ambition and reality, and nights like this make it clear that decisions, from team selection to substitutions, will be scrutinised more than ever.
It was not pretty. It was not good enough and questions absolutely deserve to be asked.
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