LONDON • Mohamed Salah continued his remarkable scoring run as Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. But Reds manager Jurgen Klopp ensured Loris Karius was credited for his role in the win that took his side up to second in the table.
"It was fantastic, it was like scoring," Klopp said of the goalkeeper's fine save from Mohamed Diame just before half-time at Anfield.
Midfielder Diame's curling effort that was headed for the top corner was just one of two shots on target the visitors managed from having 29 per cent possession.
But Karius, critcised earlier this season for numerous errors, has enjoyed a good run in between the posts. Last week, the German tipped Marko Arnautovic's effort onto the bar before Liverpool ran out 4-1 winners against West Ham.
He also enjoyed clean sheets against Southampton (2-0) and Porto (5-0) after saving Harry Kane's penalty last month in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Added Klopp: "Look, if he was not a good goalkeeper, I would be the biggest idiot in world football if I line him up. Maybe a few people think I am, but he is an outstandingly skilled goalkeeper.
"He has had a few good games - that's good for us. Let's carry on."
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32
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Goals Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has scored in all competitions this season - the same as Newcastle.
Liverpool's next league game is a trip to Old Trafford on Saturday, when the battle for second spot heats up. Manchester United, two points below Liverpool, have the chance to regain the spot below runaway leaders Manchester City by winning at Crystal Palace today.
United will be wary of another in-form Liverpool player in Salah.
The Egyptian international scored for the seventh match running, taking his total for the season to 32, when he put the home side ahead after 40 minutes.
Sadio Mane then finished off a move involving Emre Can and Roberto Firmino early in the second half of the one-sided game.
There was no joy for Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, who led Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005. Defeat left the Magpies 16th, only two points above the relegation places.
"We were playing against a dangerous team," said the Spaniard.
"We know they have the pace up front. We managed to last 40 minutes then it was a mistake.
"We had to go for it in the second half and were then more open. You have to keep the balance to be stronger in defence and create chances in attack."
REUTERS
