Premier League 2018-19: 3 reasons behind Liverpool's 4-0 win over Newcastle United

#2 Liverpool's defence unperturbed by Newcastle's attack

Benitez's side lacked the creativity to trouble Liverpool's defence

Liverpool secured their 16th win of the season over a toothless Newcastle side whose negative approach to the game backfired and condemned them to their 10th loss of the season.

Benitez set up with a back five comprising of Yedlin, Fernandez, Lascelles, Dummett and Ritchie. None of them could withstand Liverpool's pace and guile, and Lascelles' mistake in the 11th minute was pounced upon by Lovren who slammed home Liverpool's opener.

Newcastle also had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 8th minute which was squandered by Joselu. From the moment they conceded the first goal, Newcastle did not show the requisite response to hit back at the hosts.

Instead, they were wasteful in possession and could not string together four or five meaningful passes which could have asked questions from a resolute Liverpool defence.

Their midfield looked out of ideas whilst in possession, and never maintained a compact shape. That gave a free pass to the likes of Shaqiri, Wijnaldum and Henderson to dictate the game's tempo.

The duo of Yoshinori Muto and Joselu completed the game with a pass success rate of 57% and 60% respectively, losing 3/4 and 6/12 of their aerial duels.

Overall, Liverpool's defence had a field day against a toothless Newcastle attack.