Liverpool ensured that the title race in the Premier League will go to the final game as they reclaimed top spot once again after edging Newcastle United in a five-goal thriller at St.James Park on Saturday evening.
The Reds took the lead after 12 minutes when an un-marked Virgil van Dijk nodded home a corner to set up a pulsating contest between the old rivals.
? Another key moment in the #PL title race? Virgil van Dijk heads Liverpool in front
It's Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool (17 mins) #NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/HKxd0vdalx
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 4, 2019
The hosts found the equalizer within 7 minutes, when Christian Atsu tapped in from close range after Salomon Rondon saw his strike cleared off the line.
There was no sign of calmness as Mohamed Salah volleyed from 12-yards to reclaim the lead in the 27th minutes.
Liverpool nearly bagged a third goal 10 minutes before the break, but Martin Dubravka produced a fine save to keep out Sadio Mane’s close-range effort as chances galored in both ends.
The Magpies’ push for yet another equalizer was rewarded on 53 minutes thanks to a thumping volley from Rondon in the 54th minute.
? An emphatic finish – but how important will it prove to be in the #PL title race?
Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool (59 mins)#NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/yYlZ3ZnL7E
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 4, 2019
What looked like to be a fatal blow for Liverpool who face Barcelona in the Champions League second leg, Salah was stretchered off after heavy collision with Dubravka in the Newcastle box. The Egyptian was replaced by Divock Origi who would score the winner in the 86th minute heading from a free kick that looked to be an own goal as Jamaal Lascelles sent the ball into his own net to hand Liverpool all three points.
The win sees Jürgen Klopp’s side move top of the table, two points ahead of Manchester City who face Leicester City on Monday evening.