Exposed without Isak: Howe was let down by 5/10 Newcastle star who lost the ball 17x

Newcastle United faced another setback as they suffered a disappointing defeat at Anfield, missing the presence of star striker Alexander Isak, who was sidelined due to a minor groin issue.

Without their talisman, Eddie Howe’s side struggled to create clear-cut chances, failing to register a single shot on target. The loss marked their fourth defeat in six Premier League outings, a worrying trend that underscores the team’s current struggles.

Despite competing in three different competitions, Newcastle must significantly improve their performances before they meet Liverpool again in the Carabao Cup final next month.

Liverpool wasted no time asserting their dominance, capitalizing on Newcastle’s defensive frailties early in the match. When Luis Díaz set up Dominik Szoboszlai in the 11th minute, Nick Pope had an opportunity to provide a much-needed confidence boost but failed to get a hand on the midfielder’s relatively tame strike.

Fabian Schär should have done more to prevent the initial cross, but Pope’s inability to stop the shot highlighted the defensive concerns that have plagued Newcastle in recent weeks.

The Magpies have now conceded the opening goal in five of their last six league matches, a worrying pattern that puts them on the back foot far too often.

Isak’s absence was glaring, but Newcastle’s attack still boasts talent. However, Anthony Gordon, the club’s standout performer this season, looked lost without his striking partner.

Tasked with operating as a makeshift number ten behind Callum Wilson, Gordon struggled to influence the game against Liverpool’s well-organized defense. Virgil van Dijk and his defensive partners neutralized Gordon’s threat, leaving him ineffective in a role that limited his ability to exploit space and drive at defenders.

He might have fared better in a more familiar wide position, but with Joe Willock deployed on the left flank, Gordon’s effectiveness was stifled.

Anthony Gordon’s Performance at Anfield

Stats via Sofascore

Lee Ryder of Chronicle Live acknowledged Gordon’s effort, calling him a “willing runner,” but he also pointed out his lack of a clinical edge, awarding him a 5/10 match rating.

Despite Gordon’s work rate—evident in his three successful tackles and five duels won—his impact in possession was minimal. He struggled to link up effectively with Wilson, failing to register a single key pass while losing the ball 17 times.

Without Isak leading the line, Gordon found himself isolated and unable to impose his usual attacking influence.

For Newcastle, the night was one to forget. However, there is no time to dwell on the defeat, as the team must regroup quickly for an FA Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The upcoming run of fixtures, including crucial Premier League matches and the highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, will test Newcastle’s resilience. With revenge potentially on the cards at Wembley, Howe must ensure his squad responds with a much-improved performance.