Liverpool returned to second in the Premier League with a comfortable win over Newcastle United.

In a slow first half, Mohamed Salah eventually broke the deadlock for his 32nd goal of the season when played through by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Sadio Mane compounded a miserable return for ex-Reds manager Rafael Benitez midway through the second half after excellent build-up play from Roberto Firmino.

Here were the key talking points from Anfield:

Lovren leaves Matip facing a fight

 

Such is the precarious nature of being a Liverpool centre-back that virtually anyone can find themselves pushed onto the sidelines.

Joel Matip was the unfortunate victim for Newcastle United’s visit and he may face a fight to get back in after the performance of replacement Dejan Lovren.

While Lovren was not outstanding and has faced sterner tests than the Magpies’ front line, he was composed throughout and more than deserving of his place.

The Croatian is nowhere near a convincing option yet but he has impressed in recent weeks and on current form should be ahead of Matip in the pecking order.

Despite their often vocal doubts about his ability, most Liverpool fans would admit it is Lovren and Virgil van Dijk who are currently the first-choice pairing.

It is now time for him to start earning back their trust with more displays like this.

Reds should settle for second

 

Bill Shankly famously said that ‘If you are first, you are first; if you are second, you are nothing’.

But Liverpool are learning that everything behind Manchester City is very much all to play for.

The Premier League title will undoubtedly be heading to the Etihad Stadium this season but Jurgen Klopp’s side moved back into second place with this win.

It is a position they should now be looking to make their own before the end of the campaign; one which they have already proven they are more than capable.

Finishing second would represent significant progress for a side that needed a last day win over Middlesbrough to secure a place in the top four last season.

Klopp’s players would also set themselves up for a concerted title push next term. Now is the time to truly make the ‘best of the rest’ tag their own.

‘The Ox’ made for centre-stage

 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability to play anywhere across the midfield has often ended up being to his detriment rather than his benefit.

Just as it was at Arsenal, his time at Anfield has found him utilised in a variety of roles; on both flanks as well as attacking and central midfield positions.

As he showed again, though, it is the latter where his future should rest.

In 10 appearances at centre-stage, Oxlade-Chamberlain has already three goals and four assists compared to his 23 combined appearances in other positions.

From the middle, the England international adds pace and power to the centre of the Reds midfield and is proving he is capable on the creative front too.

Klopp clearly likes ‘the Ox’ in the middle of the park and on current evidence, that’s where his Liverpool future should lie.

If he continues performing as he is, he’ll be playing there for England too.

Benitez return shows maturity shoots

 

Liverpool knew what they would be getting from Rafa Benitez’s latest return.

The ex-Reds manager had no intentions of setting his side up to be open and allow his former employers to do what they do best score goals.

In a disappointing first half, it appeared his tactics had been spot on as the Reds failed to break through the resolute Magpies backline.

Up stepped Mohamed Salah to bag his 32nd of the campaign, though, and Liverpool were on their way to another vital three points.

Crucially, though, they had also passed another stern test.

Last season this was a game that would have ended up in frustration, another in a long line of games where a deep-lying defence had kept them out.

It appears that tactic is one this Liverpool team no longer has to worry about