Newcastle United – Liverpool: Liverpool Have the Last Laugh in Barmy Barclays Battle (2-3)

The presence of Alexander Isak loomed large over a fiery fixture, but could both clubs be better off without him? Newcastle United missed the moment to capitalize on the chaos, but St. James' Park produced a night that is only possible when everyone pulls in the right direction. Liverpool walked away with all three points, but a second striker seems like a want more than it is a need.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

The repeat of the Carabao Cup final, which brought about the first domestic title in 70 years for the Geordies, was always going to be a fiery fixture. The sage of the summer has only fanned the flames.

Newcastle United were eager to kick on after making history on Wembley Way and returning to the Champions League for the second time in three years. Yet, a disastrous summer has hit them with rejection after rejection, and a stowaway striker set on signing for the new champions. A 0-0 draw against Aston Villa showed that the world does not start and stop with their number nine, even if they missed his presence in the final third. Would he now receive the ultimate slap in the face?

Liverpool looked . . .