And once the game kicked off, Liverpool simply couldn’t match the Magpies’ desire and intensity. All over the field, Liverpool looked like it was losing its battles. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton’s physicality was too much to handle and Guimaraes himself added steel as well as silk and flair.

Alexander-Arnold is said to have agreed to join Real Madrid already, which is a huge blow – not just because he is a phenomenal player but because Liverpool will earn nothing even though he’s worth millions. The same could happen with Van Dijk and Salah in the very near future if their contracts are not resolved by the decision-makers at the club.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk continues to face an uncertain future at Anfield with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. The Holland international has been ever-present for the Reds during Arne Slot’s first season in charge,