OPINION
Newcastle United were subjected to a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of a lethal Liverpool side on Boxing Day in order to heap more misery on Rafa Benitez.
Benitez’s side showed glimpses of greatness against the Reds at Anfield, but Jurgen Klopp’s team proved to be too much for them as they completed a four goal rout to keep their spot at the top of the Premier League table.
Dejan Lovren, Mo Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho all struck lucky for Liverpool in this masterclass, a result that means the Magpies are now in 15th place in the top-flight.
Here, This is Futbol has rounded up the three things learned about Newcastle v Liverpool:
Diame stood out like a sore thumb
Even though there were moments where Newcastle showed some skill, it is clear to see that Mo Diame was one of the best players on the field on Wednesday.
In a match where he should have been completely overran by an incredible Liverpool midfield, Diame held his own and thoroughly impressed throughout the match.
This does come as a surprise, as he has been overwhelmingly poor this season, but here is hoping he can maintain these standards.
Lascelles must be axed imminently
Jamaal Lascelles may be Newcastle’s captain, but the 6ft 2in [Transfermarkt] mainstay really did not showcase his best against Liverpool today.
He is usually very consistent, an attribute which he particularly demonstrated at the start of the season, but he looked a shadow of the leader he usually is.
He must head for the chopping block as soon as possible, as there are other central defenders who are a lot better than he is at the moment.
Benitez should have started Rondon up front
Why on earth did Rafa Benitez decide to start Joselu up front instead of Salomon Rondon? Rondon is clearly the better forward, so it is rather puzzling why the manager opted for the Spaniard instead of the 29-year-old.
Joselu proved ineffective beyond belief, which is rather worrying in terms of Benitez’ choice of options up front. Rondon is their only viable option at the moment, and this is something which needs to be addressed in January.