The Reds briefly went two points clear of Manchester City after a 4-0 win against Leeds, courtesy of Naby Keita’s first-half score, three days after their 2-0 success over Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final first leg (19).

Newcastle felt upset by the goal, believing James Milner should have been penalized for a foul on Fabian Schar in the build-up, but replays proved he won the ball legitimately and Keita took advantage of it with a clinical finish after exchanging passes with Diogo Jota. Liverpool played with a much-changed lineup, with Jurgen Klopp resting Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, and Thiago Alcantara, but they still controlled possession and limited the hosts to few chances.

However, they were unable to increase their lead, with Sadio Mane coming closest when he blasted barely wide in the second half, as well as Jota, Luis Diaz, and Salah all missing chances.Newcastle came close to equalizing on the break, providing a tense finish for the visitors, but Klopp’s side held on to make it three Premier League wins in a row and maintain the pressure on City as the title race heats up.

Klopp was pleased with his side’s controlled performance following the victory over Villarreal at Anfield on Wednesday night.”To be honest, it was really difficult for the players today,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp remarked. We just finished a two-and-a-half-day game. Coming here with a hot squad, six straight home wins, beautiful weather, and everyone in a good mood, pretty much everything was set for another home win.