Liverpool fought back from an early upset for their 14th straight Premier League win on Saturday, with Sadio Mane scoring two in a 3-2 victory over Newcastle.
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The Reds went behind to a Jetro Willems strike in the seventh minute at Anfield, but a brace from Mane and a third from Mohamed Salah ensured the three points.
It was the introduction of Roberto Firmino which truly turned the game, with the Brazilian replacing an injured Divock Origi on 37 minutes with the score 1-1.
Firmino’s relentless pressing and excellent technique created a number of chances for the hosts, including one apiece for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, who were unable to convert at the near post.
He had already laid on Mane’s second of the afternoon, with the Senegalese benefiting from a harsh bounce off Martin Dubravka to add to his brilliant curled opener.
And with Salah sweeping through as the final quarter-hour approach, Firmino played a sumptuous flick on the one-two for the Egyptian to fire home with his left.
It was a result that secures top spot after five games in the league, with Liverpool taking 15 points from a possible 15, remaining ahead of Man City.
Their next outing comes in the Champions League, with a trip to Napoli to come on Tuesday, and Klopp faces a tight turnaround as the Reds bid to defend the European Cup.
Needing to bring Firmino on so early into a game in which he had been rested will not be considered ideal, but for now the manager will be delighted his No. 9 has maintained his world-class start to the season.
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