EPL 2017/18: Newcastle United 1-1 Liverpool, 5 talking points

#4 Rafa Benitez's setup neutralises Liverpool's front three

Rafa Benitez will be a happy man

When you're facing Liverpool, it's pretty much a no-brainer to play a compact game at the back. Newcastle did the same but Rafa had another trick up his sleeve.

While teams usually play a low block against Liverpool, Newcastle allowed the team into their own half and then applied the press, which explains why the Merseyside outfit had so few shots on goal. They were often hurried into shooting and failed to test the Newcastle custodian.

Sadio Mane and Mo Salah made a few darting runs, but all of them came on the counter. When Liverpool had the ball in the Newcastle half, they failed to muster consistent clear-cut chances.