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Liverpool solidified their grip on the Premier League title race with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield, but the absence of Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak dominated post-match discussions.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scored decisive goals either side of halftime to extend the Reds’ lead to 13 points, while Eddie Howe’s side missed a critical attacking outlet in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

The match began under heavy rain at Anfield, with Liverpool immediately asserting their authority.

Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Luis Diaz exploited space on the left flank, cutting back for the unmarked Hungarian to fire through traffic.

Newcastle improved after halftime, but Mac Allister sealed the result in the 63rd minute following Salah’s intricate footwork and precise layoff?

The Argentine’s strike into the top corner was watched approvingly by Arne Slot in the stands with his team limited Newcastle to three shots while attempting twelve.

Newcastle’s lineup raised eyebrows when teamsheets revealed Isak’s omission despite his brace against Nottingham Forest four days prior.

The Swedish striker’s 21 goals across competitions this season made his absence particularly glaring.

Now Eddie Howe has provided an update on his star player.

Speaking after the game, the Newcastle United manager said:

“It was a late decision [to leave him out], around midday today.

“He just didn’t feel right with his groin, so we didn’t want to take the risk, we have got too many big games to come,” Howe explained via the Mag.

“I had a chat with him around [Wednesday] lunchtime to see how he felt.”

“We knew that he was feeling something yesterday [Tuesday].”

“We hoped that it would improve overnight but it didn’t improve enough,” the Magpies boss said.

“We don’t envisage it being a big problem for him [moving forward].”

Additionally, Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele reported from Anfield last night:

“Eddie Howe says he expects Alexander Isak to be back fit for the Carabao Cup final.”

Newcastle Unjited have a clash with Brighton in the Premier League before the international break, followed by the March 16 Carabao Cup final rematch against Liverpool.

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