Tadiwa Chanakira and Jack McIndoe Break Down Liverpool vs Newcastle

Yahoo

27-02-2025

Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Newcastle was another decisive step in their push for the title. With Arne Slot at the helm, the Reds demonstrated a mixture of discipline, tactical maturity and ruthless efficiency, a performance that left both fans and analysts in awe.
On The Gags Tandon Show, post-match reaction was filled with praise for Liverpool's dominance, with Tadiwa Chanakira and Jack McIndoe dissecting the key moments. As Chanakira put it, 'Liverpool getting a massive three points tonight, getting us that bit more closer to our number 20 this season.' That sense of inevitability is beginning to grow, with Newcastle struggling to pose a meaningful challenge.
One of the key talking points from the match was Liverpool's midfield, which functioned like a well-oiled machine. Chanakira noted that the consistency in selection was key: 'Maybe surprised that all of them played again, but I think it's wiser at the moment… play them, win the games and then take them off rather than needing to bring them on.'
Liverpool's midfield trio ensured Newcastle were suffocated in possession, with Dominik Szoboszlai standing out. His goal was the icing on the cake of an all-action display, and as McIndoe put it, 'Szobo's getting a crucial goal… he's been brilliant, mate.'
It is impossible to discuss this Liverpool side without mentioning Mohamed Salah, who continues to evolve into one of the most efficient forwards in the world. McIndoe summarised it perfectly: 'Magical Mo… I've run out of superlatives to describe the Egyptian. He's so good.'
Chanakira expanded on this, drawing an incredible comparison: 'He's having a Lionel Messi-type season… if you had Lionel Messi in fantasy football, why would you not captain him every week?'
Salah's impact transcends goals. His ability to slow the game down, dictate attacking play and provide assists has reached new heights. 'He's six goal contributions behind what Messi was doing at age 32 at Barcelona… he's tied Cristiano Ronaldo at 32 for goal contributions. That's the level of player we have at Liverpool Football Club,' Chanakira emphasised.
Yet, Salah does not seem to receive the recognition he deserves from wider football media. 'If he played for Man United… oh my God,' McIndoe remarked, underlining how Salah's brilliance is sometimes taken for granted.
Newcastle, meanwhile, were passive throughout the encounter. Without their talisman Alexander Isak, they lacked a focal point in attack, and Liverpool capitalised. 'Newcastle are hoping for a top-four place, but it's looking unlikely,' McIndoe admitted.
Chanakira took a wider view, stating that Newcastle's inability to secure Champions League football could have lasting consequences: 'Some of the players are going to get sick of the promise of what Newcastle is… they thought they were Man City.'
He went further, highlighting Isak's precarious future at the club: 'If I was advising Isak, I'd be saying, you've got to move if Newcastle don't make the Champions League.'
The sentiment was clear: Newcastle's project is in danger of stagnation, while Liverpool continue to soar.
With Arsenal faltering and Manchester City in pursuit, Liverpool's lead at the top looks increasingly formidable. Chanakira summed it up: 'Liverpool now go 13 points clear of Arsenal… and I know what I'll be doing the next 20 minutes, booting up the TV and watching some great Arsenal fan content.'
That confidence is infectious. The atmosphere among Liverpool supporters is one of cautious excitement, with the realisation that a historic season is within reach. As McIndoe concluded, 'We are witnessing something very special this season… let's hope by the end of May we've got a couple more trophies under our belt.'
Liverpool march on.