Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle: Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister goals as Reds move 13 points clear

As soon as Newcastle’s starting line-up was announced, the travelling support must have been concerned.

No Isak does not necessarily mean no hope, but this needed to be a big team performance.

Without their star striker, who has 19 league goals this season to sit only behind Salah and Erling Haaland on the list of top scorers, Howe turned to Wilson.

The former Bournemouth forward has struggled for playing time this season, missing 20 league games because of long spells out with injury.

His lack of sharpness was evident when he had a one-on-one situation with Alisson and lofted a bold chipped effort wide.

Wilson’s blushes were spared by the offside flag, but he blazed another opportunity off target 13 minutes later.

Newcastle’s other attacking options did not offer much threat, either, with the Magpies failing to have a shot on target.

There will also be questions asked of Newcastle’s defence, considering Szoboszlai and Mac Allister were left unmarked for their goals.

With a timescale for Isak’s return unclear, the challenge of bringing Champions League football to St James’ Park for next season could become even tougher.

Newcastle remain firmly in that mix for now and must push on from this disappointment.

With only six points separating third-placed Forest and Aston Villa in 10th, European places look set to go to teams that finish the season at a sprint.