No Slot, no sweat: Liverpool stretch lead to 13 with stroll past Newcastle

Liverpool are disappearing over the horizon, leaving so-called title rivals to fight it out for second place. Arne Slot's relentless team stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points with 10 games remaining with an assured defeat of Newcastle. Arsenal have no chance of bridging the gap. Liverpool appear to be improving.

- Andy Hunter Anfield

A first-half goal from Dominik Szoboszlai and a fine second half strike from fellow midfielder Alexis Mac Allister sufficed against Eddie Howe's team, who must hope injured assets and confidence recovers when the two clubs meet again in the Carabao Cup final. Liverpool were simply too strong and too solid for their challenge at Anfield. A run of five games in 15 days was portrayed as a defining period in the title race. Liverpool have strengthened their grip on title number 20.

Slot sat at the back of the directors' box having been handed a two-match touchline ban for improper conduct following the recent Merseyside derby. With his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, also banned for two games for his behaviour at Goodison Park it fell to a former Everton player, John Heitinga, to direct Liverpool from the technical area. In keeping with Slot's entire Anfield reign, it was a smooth transition.

As the head coach had promised, there was no letup from a Liverpool team that enjoys a clear view from the Premier League summit. Their work rate and desire were again exemplary, confidence understandably high. Luis Díaz was a tireless presence who Tino Livramento struggled to contain.