Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Liverpool - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - April 30, 2022 Liverpool's Sadio Mane is shown a yellow card by referee Andre Marriner Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was spotted with his ‘head in his hands’ after what Sadio Mane did during the Reds’ crucial 1-0 victory away to Newcastle United.
The Lowdown: Big three points…
Clinching a major three points in the Premier League title race, the Reds have now leap-frogged rivals Man City to the top of the league as they await the result of Pep Guardiola’s trip to Leeds United this afternoon.
Liverpool managed battle their way past the in-form Magpies who attempted to make life tough in the second period, coming after midfielder Naby Keita opened the scoring on 19 minutes.
It could’ve been more for Klopp’s men, however, with Mane missing a few chances to extend Liverpool’s advantage and put much-needed breathing room between the two sides.
Following one of those gaping opportunities, ultimately squandered by the Senegal international, the BBC spotted how Klopp reacting during what was an off-day for Mane.
The Latest: Klopp furious…
As per the BBC Sport Live Feed (63 minutes), Klopp couldn’t believe the 30-year-old side-footed a chance just past the post after Joe Gomez’s cross found him on the edge of the area.
They explained: “Jurgen Klopp has his head in his hands, he can’t believe the forward has missed.
“Joe Gomez does brilliantly down the right and finds Mane arriving on the edge of the box, but he side-foots wide of the post.”
The Verdict: Poor day for Mane…
The £100,000-per-week star, it’s safe to say, didn’t enjoy his best outing at St. James’ Park.
As per SofaScore, Mane won just 1/6 of his total duels, losing a big 83% of them, whilst also failing to complete a single take-on – ranking in as Liverpool’s worst-rated starter with a 6.5/10.
It’s little wonder Klopp saw fit to replace him with Mohamed Salah near the 70th-minute mark, but given Mane’s phenomenal performances over 2021/2022, it’s fair to say he can be forgiven as Liverpool take a big three points this afternoon.
In other news: ‘Big’ – Journalist raves as Liverpool eye ‘statement’ signing for Klopp! Find out more here.
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