The Anfield legend was full of praise for Eddie Howe after their 1-1 Champions League draw with PSG
Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard(Image: TNT Sports)
Eddie Howe got his tactics spot on in Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night – and can cause Liverpool problems in Saturday’s Premier League clash, according to Anfield legend Steven Gerrard.
The Magpies head coach surprised some by switching to a back five for the Champions League game against the current holders, a move than turned out to be inspired after an encouraging performance from Newcastle.
After a nervous opening 20 minutes, which saw PSG win and miss a controversial penalty before taking the lead through Vitinha, United grew into the game levelled just before half-time through Joe Willock.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle’s dedicated Facebook page
While the home side had the majority of possession, Newcastle had the better chances on the countrer-attack, with Willock seeing a second effort ruled out for offside and Harvey Barnes going close to winning it.
The result means United will face either Qarabag or Monaco in the play-off round with a tie against either Chelsea or Barcelona awaiting the winners in the last 16, but before that comes Saturday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
Former Reds skipper Gerrard was hugely impressed with Newcastle on Wednesday night, and prediicted their counter-attacking style could cause Arne Slot’s side plenty of problems this weekend.
“Eddie Howe’s brilliant, I love him,” Gerrard told TNT Sports. “I actually think tactically tonight, he made the right call going to the five.
“As Joe (Cole) mentioned prior to the game, PSG ask you so many questions from different areas of the pitch, you have to solidify, you have to be compact, and this team is set up to be really dangerous on the counter-attack.
“It’s a big worry for Liverpool at the weekend, but with the athleticism of Gordon, Willock, Alanga, Harvey Barnes, they’re set up to play in that way.
“It was really harsh for them tonight, they had the most difficult game tonight but I think deep down underneath, I think Eddie Howe will be so proud of his team and be delighted.”
Newcastle have not won at Anfield in the league since 1994 when Kevin Keegan’s side record a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Rob Lee and Andy Cole.
Since then, United have picked up just five points in the Red half of Merseyside, with a 1-1 draw in March 2021 the last time they avoided defeat, thanks to Joe Willock’s late goal.
Bruno Guimaraes could return to the side after remaining on the bench in Paris, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are expected to start following their second-half appearances in midweek.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.