AnalysisTalking points: Salah brings up 150, Alisson's landmark, Jota's impact and more

Mohamed Salah’s double alongside efforts from Curtis Jones and substitute Cody Gakpo ensured three more points were earned as the Reds moved clear at the top of the league standings.

Here are five things we noted from the New Year’s Day contest…

Alisson brings up 250

The Reds’ No.1 reached a landmark in L4 as he brought up his 250th appearance for Liverpool across all competitions.

Alisson has been a mainstay between the posts since his arrival from AS Roma in the summer of 2018 – making the spot his own since he landed on Merseyside.

The Brazil international has registered an incredible 108 clean sheets in that time for the club, and of course one goal, while proving to be one of world football’s best.

Salah bags landmark goals

Get in, Mo!

The Egyptian King was made to wait for his goals following his earlier saved penalty, though a close-range finish after the half-time interval saw Salah notch his 150th effort in the league for Liverpool.

The No.11 became just the fifth player in Reds history to achieve the feat, while only three other players have moved past the 100 mark in the Premier League itself for Liverpool.

Salah went on to convert the second spot-kick of the night to mark the occasion in fine style and provide a brilliant assist for Gakpo, a memorable send-off ahead of his Africa Cup of Nations duties.

Jones stars in midfield

The Scouser produced a vital performance in the heart of midfield for Liverpool as they produced a hard-fought win in trying conditions.

He was also on hand and in the right place at the right time to score the all-important goal – his first in the league this season – that restored Liverpool’s advantage at Anfield in the second period.

Jones provided decisive tackles, broke up play and advanced the Reds forward throughout the game, a display described as ‘special’ by his manager after the final whistle.

His goal meant a lot, too, as the home crowd erupted after he slid the ball in from close range to spark celebrations.

Jota makes his presence felt

Oh, his name is Diogo!

The No.20 saw his impact felt once more, stepping off the bench to help Liverpool secure victory amid a chaotic finish to the game.

Jota was part of a triple substitution shortly after the hour mark with the encounter all square, and it was an important moment.

Within 10 minutes of his introduction, he combined brilliantly with Salah and then teed up Jones inside the six-yard box to score, before going on to win a penalty to add a fourth, with fellow substitute Gakpo netting in between.

Jota’s involvement on Boxing Day at Burnley proved crucial on his return from injury and it is something Liverpool may require in their forward line with Salah’s upcoming AFCON involvement.

PL lead extended

Liverpool, top of the league!

Jürgen Klopp’s men were among the last to see action across the Premier League New Year weekend, entering the fixture in the knowledge that three points would move them clear of the chasing pack.

The Reds were in no mood to drop points on home soil knowing what was in front of them, and moved into sole possession of the lead at the summit.

Liverpool added victory number 23 over Newcastle to their locker in the Premier League at Anfield as well with the win – racking up an xG (expected goals) tally of 7.27, which is a record in the division.