Eddie Howe hails ‘high class’ Liverpool after seeing his Newcastle team swept aside at Anfield

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Liverpool moved 13 points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League title race with a comfortable win over Newcastle on Wednesday evening.

The Reds are closing in on a 20th league title in their history having navigated a punishing schedule over the past two weeks.

Newcastle were slightly depleted heading to Anfield, with top scorer Alexander Isak joining Joelinton on the sidelines.

But even had the Magpies been at full-strength, it likely wouldn’t have mattered on a night where Liverpool looked like Premier League champions in waiting.

After playing so many difficult games in such a short space of time, the Reds could be forgiven for playing with heavy legs against Newcastle.

According to Toon boss Eddie Howe, though, Liverpool were anything but leggy. After watching his team comprehensibly beaten, Howe was full of praise for Arne Slot’s league leaders.

Eddie Howe impressed by ‘high class’ Liverpool

Newcastle have been more than a match for Liverpool over recent years, but have very rarely got the better of them.

In fact, it might surprise a few that the Magpies are yet to beat the Reds in any competition since December 2015. That run now stretches to 17 games.

Howe has been a good manager for Newcastle but he can’t seem to crack it against Liverpool.

And speaking to newcastleunited.com after another defeat at Anfield, the 47-year-old admitted that the Reds are simply ‘very dangerous’ in every area of the game.

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“I thought it was a very competitive game,” said Howe. “Liverpool are obviously a high class team, very dangerous team in all phases.

“I compliment the lads on one phase; defending counter-attacks. Very, very difficult, they’ve got such pace on transition and I thought we defended those moments quite well.”

Liverpool hold Carabao Cup final edge

Wednesday’s match was of course a dress rehearsal for when these two teams meet in the Carabao Cup final next month.

Howe says Isak should be back fit for the clash at Wembley, which will instantly improve his team’s chances of winning.

But with Newcastle having such a dismal record against Liverpool, the Reds will hold a not insignificant phycological edge regardless.

The Magpies may feel that they are due a win and what better occasion to get one than in a cup final.

Liverpool showed exactly how to deal with them on Wednesday, though, and should be confident of doing so again.